Exercise During Coronavirus: Tips For Staying Active

You may be finding it tougher to exercise while under lockdown or a stay-at-home order. But you can still find ways to make movement a part of your daily routine.

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With most of our daily movement restricted during the coronavirus pandemic, it can be difficult to keep up an exercise routine. If you enjoy fitness classes, you’re probably missing the camaraderie and the atmosphere of the gym. And even if you are getting some movement in, you might be feeling frustrated that you’re not at your usual level of activity. But now, more than ever, exercise is important. It can have a huge impact on anxiety you’re feeling due to coronavirus and help ease stress and depression.

It’s normal to feel stir crazy, but also less motivated to exercise since your routine has been turned upside down. But don’t be too hard on yourself. Even a small amount of movement, like a walk around the block, can make a difference. Here are some tips to stay active even during quarantine or a stay-at-home order that are doable whether you’re just starting to exercise or a seasoned fitness buff.

Can exercise help protect you from coronavirus?

While being fit won’t prevent you from catching the virus, it does have many other protective effects. Physical activity helps improve all aspects of your health, including boosting your immune system. It also reduces stress and anxiety and improves mood, which in turn helps you sleep better and prevents burnout. Exercise also releases endorphins, chemicals in your brain that revitalize your mind and body. If you use exercise to keep up your energy and spirits in trying times such as these, you might be less inclined to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like drinking too much, which does wear down your immune system.

Tips for getting the exercise you need during COVID-19

Get outside if you can