SPORT - MARTIN MURRAY

HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY BODY

THE WHO HAS MADE IT clear that we should be practicing social distancing when we can. it is important to keep our mental and physical health in check especially in a global epidemic where you should do your best to improve your lungs and breathing, so here are my tips to get through the coronavirus while still working on preparing that summer body. We all must make sacrifices at this time, I have had to reschedule and cancel interviews for this very issue and make amendments to my work in the health sector but I am hoping this list allows you to continue your fitness without too much hassle.

1/ PREPARE If you choose to continue to go to the public gym for whatever your

personal reasons, there are some steps you can take to put the odds in your favour. Firstly, investigate your gyms social distancing strategy. My gym has cancelled all classes, they have limited the number of people who can attend the gym at a time, and you can see how many people are inside using the app. On top of this they have stepped up their cleaning and provided stations encouraging clients to clean equipment before and after use.

2/ BE AWARE You can then help further by keeping a 3-meter distance from other clients, wash your hands every chance you get to avoid leaving sweat residue and dress appropriately. I have started using weightlifting gloves track bottoms and

a head band or cap to make sure I am doing anything I can to avoid skin contact or spreading of germs. Of course, even if you are showing any symptoms at all, do not go near a gym, as a gym should remain a place where people feel safe and comfortable.

3/ PARK LIFE As Park runs across the city have been cancelled, I have used this as an opportunity to practice new courses while not many people are there. You can find many free apps on your phone to measure your time, steps, speed and even ones that encourage you. You can also still find plenty of routes and maps on the park run website.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

WHETHER WE HAVE MENTAL HEALTH issues or not, the atmosphere does affect us all as we are the product of our environment. This means while our social media is covered in panic, our streets are empty, social interaction is cut down and the news is full of fear then our minds become loaded with negative thoughts.

The social interaction that is being taken away from our young people by being off school for a long time will also make a change to our culture as they react differently to social situations.

Working out raises endorphins, makes you feel better about yourself and look better, and strengthens to body in its fight against viruses. Working out as a household with your loved ones creates a sense of unity and contact and that feeling of closeness is important in making people feel wanted and needed through support. Even if you are separate, start a video group call with your loved ones or friends and work out together.

Even for older people it is important for them to keep their mind and body in motion to keep the blood flowing. Do not let people give up on themselves, even light exercise with a friend can cause such a difference in fighting a virus.

Working out does not always have to be purely physical. If you look at mediation or yoga and focusing the mind, it can be a powerful tool. I enjoy meditating after a workout.

When I feel loss of hope or face adversity, I like to give myself a few minutes to sit in pure silence and appreciate my experiences. Think about everything that you have overcome and we as a human race have overcome and think about the joy people have experienced because of human strength. Take time to appreciate it all and then appreciate your present, your friends, your family, your space. To end it I then think about hopes, aspirations, moments I cannot wait to experience with my loved ones, and this gives me the drive to get up and go.

HAWT TO NAWT

HAWT

RECORD NUMBERS ATTEND BRITAIN’S BIGGEST LGBT SPORTING EVENT, THE HADRIAN CUP, HOSTED BY NEWCASTLE RAVENS WITH RUGBY PLAYERS FROM ACROSS UK AND IRELAND INCLUDING BELFAST’S AZLANS AND DUBLIN’S EMERALD WARRIORS WHO WON THE CUP.

INCLUSIVE FOOTBALL NI HAVE REBRANDED TO ‘BELFAST BLAZE’. SETTLING ON THE NAME BEFORE THEIR FIRST FRIENDLY GAME LEAVING WITH A 2-1 VICTORY AGAINST THE DUBLIN DEVILS.

NAWT

PRO GOLFER SCOTT PIERCY SHARED HOMOPHOBIC MEME TARGETING PETE BUTTIGIEG AFTER HE PULLED OUT OF THE PRESIDENCY RACE; SCOTT LOST SEVERAL MAJOR ENDORSEMENT DEALS AS A RESULT.

STUART MATTHEWS (LGBT FAN GROUP PROUD SEAGULLS), SPOKE OUT AFTER CHELSEA CLAIMED A LARGE GROUP OF MANCHESTER UNITED FANS MADE HOMOPHOBIC SLURS AT A MATCH IN STAMFORD BRIDGE. “… WE’VE SEEN AN INCREASE OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS OF GROUP CHANTING AND WE’RE SICK AND TIRED OF IT,” THE 53-YEAR-OLD SAID.