Homebound due to coronavirus? Experts on why should you keep exercising
Amidst coronavirus pandemic, it is important to not let your exercise schedule take a hit. Here is what experts suggest.
As coronavirus fears force people to stay home, the key is to not let self-isolation or social distancing make you feel unfit by keeping you away from exercising too. In fact, experts suggest that while the spread of the virus could be contained by strict self-isolation, there is a need to eat a balanced diet and stay fit, even without going to the gym. Moreover, temporary closure of public parks and gym has resulted in more people being homebound.
So what can you do? “Due to the spread of coronavirus, it is better for people to work out at home. Yoga, breathing exercises, aerobics can be done at home. I would recommend a lot of breathing exercises, especially to the aged, pregnant women and those who are suffering from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or asthma. Better to be at home and practice all the precautions,” explained Dr Parmila Sharma, HOD, physiotherapist, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram.
Considering that the number of people testing positive for the virus has increased in the country to more than 110 with three casualties already reported, doctors suggest that one should not underestimate home workouts.
But why does one need to exercise?
According to Dr Gauri Jariwala, musculoskeletal physiotherapist, Bhatia Hospital Mumbai, “de-training effects” sets in within just two weeks of non-exercising and this leads to “significant decline in cardiopulmonary and muscular fitness”. “Exercises should be done to maintain fitness and strength. Optimal level of fitness and health will lead to prevention of the infection caused by the virus,” asserted Dr Jariwala.
But what sort of exercises can be done?
One can start with incorporating simple exercises like pranayama, anulom vilom, other balancing exercises, planks, spot jogging, to name a few. “People who do weight lifting can alternatively lift household things or use their body weight to exercise,” mentioned Dr Sharma.
While most people should ideally do push-ups, sit-ups and curls, for non-gym goers can stick to yoga exercises accompanied by good warm-ups, suggested Dr Ismit Tyagi, physiotherapist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurugram. “Breathing exercises are very important especially for the older lot because coronavirus affects people who have weak immunity, people who are diabetic or people with a cardiac ailment. A simple static/exercise cycle for diabetic people can be a great alternative as they are required to work out at least 45 minutes,” mentioned Dr Tyagi.
Even celebrities have been seen doing some workouts at home. Take a look.
#day217 Being homebound, while Vir creates some Lego, I have pulled the #TRX out of storage and made my living room into a gym and play area! #365daysofexercise #365daychallenge #nobhay #getfitwithmandy #mandirabedi #selflove #fitindiamovement #happyfornoreason
A post shared by Mandira Bedi (@mandirabedi) on
#WorkoutFromHome Can't go to the gym so sharing the workout that Yas and I did at home. Stay safe and be active if u can ? 1⃣ Squat & Side Leg Lifts – 3 sets x 20 reps 2⃣ Reverse Lunge – 3 sets x 15 reps 3⃣ Situp – 3 sets x 20 reps 4⃣ Pushup – 3 sets x 15 reps (you can substitute with incline pushups or knee pushups) 5⃣ Plank to 'T' – 3 sets x 15 reps 6⃣ Mountain Climbers – 4 slow and 15 tempo x 3 sets @reebokindia #reebok
A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) on
Tag someone who needs Exercise Motivation in the times of Corona (I know gyms are shut but you can find ways to workout anywhere !) Your choice of workout ? . Be strong , be fearless and take precautions like Ladoo the cat wanted to watch but knew he had to keep distance ? . For all of you who complained about the lack of time to exercise in your busy schedule . Now you have time to build up your immunity ! Pick a form of exercise you enjoy . I've been training with the mudgal for a few years now .It builds Shoulder strength and flexibility and core strength. So before I do my silambam (stick) routine I do this so my shoulders are all warmed up #mondaymotivation #TraininginTheTimesofCorona #corona #100yearsofAdahSharma #adahsharma
A post shared by Adah Sharma (@adah_ki_adah) on
Paucity of time is a major reason for missing out on exercise for many. Let’s utilise this 'precious' time to take care of ourselves by exercising at least 4 times a week and building a stronger immunity. Here’s how you can pack in a proper routine using just the staircase. Practice this anytime during the day (preferably after an hour of eating). You don’t need to come in contact with anyone else for it. Swasth raho, mast raho! ?? . @thevinodchanna . . . . #MondayMotivation #COVID19 #SwasthRahoMastRaho #FitIndia #GetFit2020 #staysafe #stayhome #fitness #time
A post shared by Shilpa Shetty Kundra (@theshilpashetty) on
As per Dr Jariwala, it is a good idea to include a thorough exercise routine for 45-60 minutes.
*Start with warm-up phase not lasting for more than 5-10 minutes. Warm-up can include neck and shoulder muscles stretches, hamstrings and quadriceps stretching, ankle stretches, spot marching and spot jogging. Warm-up is essential to prevent exercise-induced injuries and it prepares your body for the next phase i.e. the aerobic phase.
*Aerobic phase includes calisthenics which can be done in the form of a shuttle run (to and from two fixed points) on a plane, non-slippery surface, stepping up and down a stepper or staircase, sideways jumping, spot running, squatting, forward lunges, sideways lunges, push-ups and burpees.
*Aerobic phase can be ended with Suryanamaskar with the entire phase lasting for 30-35 minutes.
*A cool down exercise phase of 10-15 minutes is a must after any form of exercise to relax the muscles and return the parameters (blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate) to baseline. “Maneuvers like shavasana, pranayam, gentle stretches of hands and legs can be included in a cool down phase,” said Dr Jariwala.
Online fitness classes are also being organised across formats like strength, cardio, HRX, S&C and yoga. “These LIVE classes are safe for all types of users whether beginner, intermediate and advanced as most of the classes feature bodyweight workouts, meaning, the user needs little or no equipment for the exercises. The LIVE classes can be accessed on mobile devices; one can also stream the session on desktop and mirror the same on TV screen. Having said that, good network connectivity is a must to attend these LIVE classes. In case the user can’t attend the session due to any reason, they can cancel the class anytime without any penalty being charged,” stated a statement from cult.live, a group fitness class.
While there is no need to panic or be scared, it is always recommended to take adequate preventive measures which can not only help one but several others who may unknowingly come in contact with an infected person, say doctors.
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