5 Ways to Exercise and Avoid Coronavirus
Exercise is vital for your health. You likely feel better after you’ve done it, and it can also be a fun way to socialize. But what if it also puts you in contact with more germs? The Flu season is bad enough, but Coronavirus has many people wanting to lock themselves away. Can you protect yourself, and still stick to your healthy habits? We’ve got some tips.
Running and Walking
The days are getting longer, and the clocks will spring forward soon, making working out in fresh air a realistic option for much of the country. Whether you prefer to walk or jog, getting out for 30 minutes a day can deliver a boost to your health, with little chance of brushing up against other people’s germs.
Tai Chi
Traditionally practiced outside also, many parks offer classes outdoors, giving you the chance to socialize while still breathing in plenty of fresh air. Tai Chi has been shown in many studies to reduce fall risk in participants, as it involves remembering sequences of moves, including turning, transferring weight from one foot to another. It is also low-impact and includes deep breathing.
Go Virtual
Turn your living room into a gym. There are some great workouts you can do just using your body weight or resistance bands. You could try the New York Times’ 7 Minute Workout if you’re in a hurry. Silver Sneakers members can access videos on demand you can follow in your home. And YouTube has many channels of video exercises. It’s worth checking out the training credentials of any video instructor first - and choose one that has some expertise in training older adults. Some gyms and personal instructors can make video exercises available to you also, so now’s a good time to check out their app, if they have one.
Try Something New
Many independent fitness instructors now teach outside. From boot camps to yoga, it’s increasingly easy to find something to suit your personal tastes. Many community centers offer classes that can be held outside. Why not take a chance on something different? You might love it and might find a new social group too. If you see a personal trainer, why not ask them if they’re willing to try moving outside.
Take Precautions
If you really need that gym fix, then be mindful of how the virus (like colds and Flu) gains access to your body. Viruses are spread when the infected person sneezes or coughs and those water droplets make contact with your nose or mouth. This can happen if they touch their nose/mouth, then another object which you later touch, followed by touching your own mouth or nose. The virus can stay live on hard surfaces for several days.
You can help protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, using alcohol wipes to clean surfaces before you touch them (including door handles), and practice keeping your hands away from your face (most of us don’t realize how often we touch our faces).
And if your class is inside, and you use your own equipment like a yoga mat, you are probably at a lower risk of infection than if you use multiple pieces of equipment. Ask your gym management what they’re doing to help keep people healthy from viruses - you may be greatly reassured by what they’ve put in place.
Even though incidences of the new Coronavirus are very low in the USA, it can spread fast, and infected people may not show any symptoms. It comes down to common sense. Exercise is really important for good health, but so is avoiding illnesses like COVID-19. Keep up to date with local announcements, and CDC updates. If your immune system is weakened, perhaps it’s wise to be cautious about exercising in places together with lots of other people.