Many spectators and sports participation have been postponed to prevent the vicious and deadly spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
While this indeed may be disappointing if you were looking forward to those intense football or baseball matches, it’s an essential step in minimizing the severe impact of COVID-19 in our communities and neighborhood.
The good news is there are many ways you can maintain your sports connections, even within the social distancing guidelines.
And, also keep yourself active during this pandemic situation as it’s vital to look both for your mental and physical well-being.
As you might already know by now the coronavirus spreads through your respiratory droplets, such as a sneeze or cough, and can easily travel several feet.
However, as long as you are not suffering from a fever and are feeling well, there’s no need to lie on the couch practicing social distancing.
But a precaution: wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 15 to 20 seconds before and after getting engaged in any type of activity with others.
So, read the whole article to know all the golden ways to stay active during this horrifying time!
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Staying Active During The Pandemic
If you are healthy, try these nine tips for safely staying active while maintaining the social distancing guidelines.
1. Exercise Outdoors.
Most public gym facilities are likely closed, but if yours is still open, I’ll recommend avoiding it until you get further notice from public health officials.
But if you are a workout freak like I am, you can surely take your fitness into the fresh air outside.
For instance, you can definitely consider hiking a new path or try a water-based activity like kayaking, only if the weather permits you!
Younger athletes can also benefit from outdoor games or play in small groups or by themselves, depending on the situation and restrictions of their areas.
But as advice for the parents, make sure to supervise your kids while they are playing in small groups or alone, and always discourage using any sporting equipment to minimize direct contact with anything.
2. Engage in Exercise by Yourself, With a Friend, or Just in Small Groups.
If you’re heading outside, consider bringing your family or a friend to keep you company, but do keep the social distancing guidelines and precautions in mind.
Choose activities that will help you to maintain an appropriate distance between your friends or any other person in your group.
Do your level best to minimize as much direct contact as possible and save your fist bumps and high-fives for another day.
If you plan to exercise with a small group of your close friends, try to meet up at such a destination to avoid any close quarters like carpools.
Furthermore, consider only outdoor activities rather than any fitness studios.
3. Engage in Non-Contact Activities That Will Help You To Keep a Spacing of 6 Feet.
Limiting your physical contacts is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus or any other virus.
According to the social distancing guidelines maintaining six feet of space between people is a must! And there’s plenty of activities that will allow you to follow these guidelines.
For instance, biking or tennis is one of the activities you’ll enjoy and can also abide by the social distancing guidelines.
Other group activities, such as body weight workout routines, running, and fitness videos, will also allow you for additional spacing.
If you’re using any sort of equipment, make sure to disinfect and clean it before thoroughly and after use, EVEN IF YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE USING IT!!
4. Light Therapy: A Magic Cure to Depression!
There have been many cases where people have reported suffering from depressions or insomnia during this pandemic.
Mostly, it’s due to these lockdowns that have made people depressed and frustrated as they are entirely deprived of their regular lives.
So, light therapy devices will surely help you get rid of these issues in such cases. These therapies will help you get your circadian rhythm ( body’s inner clock ) back on track.
But make sure to stay consistent with this therapy and have the proper timing to take this therapy.
However, you should only purchase a light therapy device after getting through reviews. Here are some helpful resources.
5. Rethink Recess.
Physical activity is an essential part of the school day, and it helps your children with fitness and proper mental focus and concentration.
Be sure to include your children in a combination of structured and unstructured physical activities.
6. Work on Improving Your General Fitness.
Having solid and aerobic fitness is indeed crucial for good fitness.
You can indeed work on strengthening your core and cardiovascular condition without even compromising the safety of your beloved ones around by using the following:
- Home gyms
- Web-based exercise programs
- Home-based video workouts
Many fitness-related organizations and instructors are currently offering free online workout routines and classes for new users to encourage activity and improve morale throughout the entire country.
7. Clean and Disinfect The Equipment
The virus may remain active on any type of untreated surfaces for an extended period, so make sure to follow the guidelines for disinfecting and cleaning surfaces or any kinds of equipment you use.
You can use a cleaning solution containing at least 70% alcohol is essential if you want to keep those viruses out of your home!
8. Exercise Only Using Your Body Weight.
Bodyweight workouts can indeed incorporate a variety of movements that don’t even require equipment.
All you need to be doing:
- Lunges
- Pushups
- Yoga
- Burpees
- Squats
Remember that you should gradually increase the intensity, frequency, and duration of any bodyweight exercise program to avoid injuries.
And if it hurts, stop immediately and never rush while doing these exercise programs.
9. Stay Connected With Your Fitness Community Online.
Always stay in touch with your friends and teammates through appropriate and suitable social media channels.
Make sure to consider sharing your thoughts and views about this situation and hopes for returning to regular activity as soon as safely possible.
Also, consider online challenges for steps, or even run a “virtual race” together and compare times.
I hope this article will help you know all the ins and outs of keeping yourself active during this pandemic!
