Lifestyle

HEIGHT MAGAZINE

Lifestyle and Fitness

Sounds of an alarm send awakening impulses throughout the body preparing us to arise and begin a new day. Joy permeates the soul as expressions of thanksgiving are released as an appreciative gesture for the gift of life. Life sustaining substance is filtered through our systems to promote hydration and oxygen flow to the brain for the anticipated work load that the day brings with it; seminars, meetings, school support, family care, and self care. A day in the life when normalcy is structure and routine, until one day it suddenly isn’t, day interrupted…cause…

COVID 19.

with the World on Pause

and routine the interruption of that perpetual cycle causes bewilderment and stagnation. Many people across the globe felt this shift in normalcy as the pandemic, COVID 19, plagued the U.S. and other countries causing a halt in normal daily activities. Winter was seemingly the season as the climate of “social distancing” was the “Jack Frost” of society that glaciated the livelihood of communities everywhere. Signs near and far throughout the lands resounded a familiar tone… “Temporarily closed until further notice”. This new reality caused a damper in the schedules of many forcing exploratory and innovative measures in completing otherwise simple and convenient tasks. Among the many closures due to COVID 19 were the desistance of fitness centers. Parks, gyms, fitness studios and other public places resulted in reduced opportunities for physical activities-especially for people not able to exercise at home. Social distancing further affected people’s ability to participate in extracurricular physical activities, especially during the restrictions of movement due to the shelter in place orders.

How do closures effect exercise routines?

At a time when working at home and homeschooling children have become the new normal, it may become quite challenging to reinvent, reestablish, or restructure exercise regimens. Coronavirus-related concerns have

affected dietary habits, that led to higher caloric intake that promoted weight gain while many people engaged in “comfort chowing” to cope with fear, anxiety, stress, financial hardships, sadness, boredom, and isolation- all in which may have proven to have had a negative effect on diets, physical heath, and mental well-being.

Why is exercise important?

Within all things essential, regular exercise also carries that essential factor especially under extenuating circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic it is especially crucial to remain physically active, here are a few reasons why:

Exercise enhances the immune system-helps body fight off infections.

Exercise may assist in weight gain prevention-helps burn extra calories.

Exercise reduces stress and anxiety- helps build mood boosters and build emotional resilience.

Exercise improves sleep- helps you fall asleep and improves quality of sleep.

How can I stay physically active during this time?

There are a plethora of ways to remain active, even while practicing social distancing and even when the gyms are closed. The American Heart Association suggests that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderately-intense physical activity, or at least 75 minutes of vigorously- intense physical activity per week. Here are a few suggestions to get your body moving: Exercise with family- Exercise provides a great opportunity for fun with the family. Walks, bike rides, dance parties, or yard games like basketball, volleyball, or kickball are ideal examples of household activity participation.

Get outside-Walking, bicycling, and jogging can provide exposure to fresh air while remaining at a safe distance from others.

Follow along with online exercise videos- Whatever your preference, dance, cardio training, core training, ab training, or any other type of workout you may choose, you could most likely find a service that offers online videos.

Take a virtual class- If your financial resources allow, some personal

trainers offer virtual sessions online to meet your needs.

Challenge yourself- Set an exercise goal

Track calorie-burning chores- Mowing the lawn, working in the garden, washing the car, or cleaning out the garage provides excellent opportunities to burn calories and build muscle.

The bottom line

Despite the fact that it takes some effort to form and adapt to new fitness routines, regular physical activity can help progress your health and well-being during the outbreak.