The importance of exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has no doubt caused many changes for everyone around the world. One of those changes has been the varying severity of restrictions on the movements and activities of people. With some enforcement of lock-downs and other restrictions to limit the spread of the virus, many of us have found ourselves in new and different ways of living.
One of the changes that has been a common theme across the world is decreased physical activity levels, due to less opportunity to be active. This Low physical activity has been a well-documented consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many populations seeing an increase in sedentary behaviour or a decrease in physical activity due to the pandemic.
The importance of exercise during this period of decreased physical activity levels therefore becomes crucial. Although physical activity can be challenging at this time, it is a great opportunity to express our freedom and responsibility to ourselves to be physically active.
Physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits. It can improve heart health, reduce stress and improve overall mood, help manage weight, improve muscle function and joint stability, and improve sleep quality. Strength training in particular can help with maintenance of muscle and bone health, age related mobility declines, and improved cardiovascular health.
The benefits of exercise have been even more important during the pandemic. Exercise is an essential part of maintaining wellbeing, mental health, and overall functioning, and combating loneliness and depression. Exercise can also help boost immunity, which is an important factor for reducing the risk of catching any illness, including Covid-19.
These benefits of physical activity have led to the recommendation of at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity 3-5 times a week in all ages, with additional resistance or strength training recommended for additional benefits.
Getting started with physical activity can also be put a little simpler. Try to set some form of movement into your daily routine that can be as simple as taking a walk and gradually progressing to more complex exercises. Feeling motivated and interested in the different ways physical activity can be done can really help, so engaging in activities that you enjoy or find stimulating can be a great way to begin.
In the end, it might be difficult and sometimes feel restrictive, but physical activity is an important part of staying healthy and sane during the pandemic. We may have different ways of doing it, but it is by taking the time and being mindful of our movement, that will help us find balance in our lives during these uncertain times.
