Green Goddess Diana Moran's coronavirus exercise guide
Green Goddess Diana Moran, 80, plans to stay fit during self isolation with an easy workout that anyone can do
- Diana Moran is preparing for a long period of self isolation to ward off the virus
- She is following the government’s advise and reducing contact with the world
- She said the start of each day now begins with a 30-minute walk near her home
- Ms Moran said she completes her fitness exercises every day to improve health
Like many of you who are reading this, I am facing the prospect of weeks or longer cooped up indoors.
I turned 80 last year and have decided – in line with Government advice – to drastically cut down my social contact and avoid going out where possible, to protect myself from this horrid virus.
Having faced breast cancer and losing my mother, suddenly, to a brain haemorrhage when I was just 15, I’m all too aware of how precious life is.
Green Goddess Diana Moran, pictured, has taken the Government’s advice and gone into self isolation despite being incredibly active and fit and healthy
Diana Moran, pictured here in 1984 was a regular on British television screens, renowned for her green leotard
Today, aged 80, Ms Moran is still a fitness fanatic and ready for her self isolation at home
But I’m fit, healthy, and very independent – and intend to stay that way.
We all know staying active is important for both our mental and physical health.
But when you’re stuck inside, it may feel like there’s not much you can do, except flitting between the sofa and the kitchen.
And, a week into my isolation, I’ll admit this does make exercising a little trickier.
I’m used to rushing around between work engagements, meetings, teaching fitness classes and going to the gym myself, as well as filming and doing photoshoots.
All that is now on pause.
So now I begin every day with half an hour walking outdoors – making sure I keep about six feet away from other people, as advised by health officials. I suggest that you do the same, if you can.
Walking is a great whole-body exercise. And the fresh air, greenery and open skies will also help boost your mood, which is just as important.
Household chores or, when the weather improves, a spot of gardening, can also be a great workout. But even in the confines of your living room, there are ways you can get moving.
I do this mini-routine – which incorporates some of my favourite exercises – every day, to boost strength and flexibility.
You don’t need any special equipment, and it only takes a matter of minutes to complete.
The exercises can also be done sitting in a chair.
I prefer to do it in the morning, as it prepares me for the day ahead, loosens my muscles and primes my mind.
Adding structure to your life in these testing times will pay off. My mantra to survive Covid-19?
Keep fit and carry on.
My self-isolation fitness regime which is so easy anyone can do it
Begin with three to five minutes of marching on the spot, to get warm. If you are feeling particularly energetic, you can repeat this entire routine twice
THE MONKEY STRETCH
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Soften your knees and bend forwards from the waist. Swing your arms down to the floor and move them back and forth, in a flowing movement, until you feel loose.
Straighten your knees and stand up, swinging your arms up above your head.
Breathe deeply throughout. Repeat five times.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Soften your knees and bend forwards from the waist. Swing your arms down to the floor and move them back and forth, in a flowing movement, until you feel loose.
REACH AND STRETCH
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your left knee slightly.
At the same time, look up, and reach your right hand up over your head – a bit like you are preparing to climb a rope.
If it helps, place the other hand on your hip. Now, do the same with your right knee and left arm. Repeat five times on each side.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your left knee slightly
SIDE TWISTS
Stand (or sit) with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Pull in your tummy and focus on posture, with your head in line with your body.
Bend your elbows and raise them so they are in line with your shoulders on either side of your body.
Let your fingertips touch in front of your chest. Keeping this position, twist from your waist, aiming for your upper body and head to face right.
Move back to the centre, and twist left.
Repeat five times.
Stand (or sit) with your feet shoulder-width apart to complete this exercise
CIRCLES
Stand (or sit) and raise both arms out to the side, until they are shoulder height.
With palms facing up, bend your elbows and place your fingertips on your shoulders.
Keeping your fingers there, bring your elbows forward in front of your chest.
Lift your elbows up, and draw an imaginary circle with them, pulling your shoulder blades together.
Repeat, drawing five circles clockwise and five anti-clockwise.
Stand (or sit) and raise both arms out to the side, until they are shoulder height.
UPPER BACK STRETCH
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Bend your elbows and bring your arms up to shoulder level, clasping your wrists – a bit like you are hugging a big beach ball.
While holding that position, drop your head down and on to your arms.
Push your arms forward, to round off your shoulders.
Hold this position for ten seconds and enjoy the stretch.
Bend your elbows and bring your arms up to shoulder level, clasping your wrists – a bit like you are hugging a big beach ball
CHAIR SQUATS
Stand in front of a sturdy chair, with your feet hip-width apart.
Pull your tummy in and bend your upper body forward, keeping your weight on your heels not your toes.
Slowly lower your bottom towards the seat of the chair.
Pause, just before sitting down. Keeping your abdominal muscles tight, push on to your heels and stand up straight again.
Repeat ten times.
Stand in front of a sturdy chair, with your feet hip-width apart
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