With most of our daily movement restricted during the coronavirus pandemic, it can be difficult to keep up an exercise routine. As life as we know it changes and physical interaction is limited, being active is more important than ever. Doing some form of exercise is an easy and free way to boost both your mental and physical health, and now is the ideal time to try a new activity.
If you’re working or studying from home, or not currently working, you’re won’t be getting the incidental exercise you normally do by commuting to and from an office or uni. And if you’re the kind of person who likes to get active in a group, your usual pursuits like gym classes and team sports are no longer an option.
If you enjoy fitness classes, you’re probably missing the camaraderie and the atmosphere of the gym, and even if you are getting some movement in, you might be feeling frustrated that you’re not at your usual level of activity. When you add the above to higher-than-usual anxiety levels, you’ll start to see why a stretch in your lounge room could really help right now.
Now, more than ever, exercise is important. It can have a huge impact on anxiety you're feeling due to coronavirus and help ease stress and depression. It’s normal to feel stir crazy, but also less motivated to exercise since your routine has been turned upside down. But don’t be too hard on yourself. Even a small amount of movement, like a walk around the block, can make a difference.
Physical activity helps our body and mind in many ways, but here are a few of the key ones:
Exercise releases chemicals in your brain, like serotonin and endorphins, which are great for your mood
It can also lead to better sleep and give you more energy
Physical movements can help ease tightness in your shoulders and neck, which often come with stress and anxiety
It also makes you feel like you achieved something
Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of serious health issues, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke
It also helps with weight management (and you tend to feel like eating a healthier diet when you’re exercising regularly, too)
And lastly, but definitely not least given the current situation, regular physical activity is great for your immune system.
If you’re new to exercise, or feeling a little lost because your normal way of staying fit isn’t possible right now, here are some ideas to get you moving:
Take your workout online: On YouTube there are endless free exercise videos to try, regardless of your fitness level or the size of your living room. From yoga and strength workouts to Pilates, high intensity interval training (HIIT) and more. Our This Girl Can – Victoria ambassador Sana also has some great tips on exercising at home. For more inspiration head to the Sport Aus Find Your 30 campaign. Personal trainers, dance instructors and other qualified fitness professionals are getting savvy and moving their classes online. So, you can join a class virtually, and get the social connection benefits of exercise too.
Go freestyle: If a structured routine is not your style, get creative and build your own workout – instead of weights use household items like filled water bottles and cans or jars of food (if you can find some!), walk or run on the spot for 30 second intervals, do some star jumps, planks, sit ups, push ups, or even burpees. Anything to get your heart rate up a little.
Go solo outside if you can: Walking, cycling and running are great solo activities and safe if you’re feeling well and haven’t been asked to self-isolate. We suggest going early in the morning or late in the day, and avoiding streets and parks with high foot traffic, to minimise your risk. Remember to pack some hand sanitiser containing at least 60 per cent alcohol and stay at least 1.5 metres away from to other people. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds as soon as you return indoors.
A word of advice before you start: If you’re new to exercise, start small – try maybe 10 minutes of yoga or walking a day, then gradually build up.
Even 10 minutes of movement a day can help your body and mind feel better. Encourage your loved ones, who you’re no doubt spending a lot of time with right now, to take a moment to move their bodies too.
And please, if you’re not feeling well, follow the advice of your health professional – including some rest. It’s vital that we prioritise the health and safety of ourselves, family, friends and the community.