Staying Active During COVID-19

Get Moving! With school closures and spending most of our time at home and indoors, it can be easy to spend time on the computer, watching TV, or sitting on the couch. However, it’s important to maintain a daily practice of moving your body and getting exercise. Exercise is not only good for our physical health, but it also helps with our emotional health and can reduce stress and anxiety! Daily exercise also helps with having strong muscles and bones and can lead to better sleep at night. 

Here is a list of ways to stay active during this time, from exercisemedicine.org:

Aerobic Activities

Indoor Activities

-       Put some music on and walk briskly around the house or up and down the stairs for 15 minutes, 2-3 times per day

-       Dance to your favorite music

-       Do an exercise video (Many companies are providing free online workouts right now)

-       Use home cardio machines if you have them

Outdoor Activities

-       Walk or jog around your neighborhood (stay 6 feet away from others)

-       Be active in a local park and spend time in nature. Be sure to wash your hands when you get home.

-       Go for a bike ride

-       Do gardening or lawn work

-       Play active games with your families

Strength Training

-       Download a strength workout app, such as the 7-minute workout (no equipment necessary)

-       Do a strength training video

-       Perform yoga – deep breathing and mindfulness also reduce anxiety

-       Find ways to do simple muscle strengthening such as: air squats or sit-to-stand with a chair, push-ups, lunges, or step-ups on a stair

Be sure to make exercise part of your daily routine and pick an exercise activity that is fun for you. Let’s all stay safe and healthy!