With gyms closed, yoga classes cancelled and people confined to their homes, the thought of laying on your couch all day might seem like a tempting idea! But let me snap you right out of it before you get too comfortable. Don’t get me wrong, I am not condemning your Netflix marathons, or convincing you to turn vegan; but what I will do, is make some profound arguments, throw in some scientific research to back me up, and try and convince you why it is important to keep active!
The degree of quarantine and lockdown is different in every country, while some have relatively few restrictions, and are allowed limited daily outdoor exercise, some are fully confined to their homes. But what is equal is that all of us are living through the same global pandemic. The changes in your daily life and sudden confinement can be adding additional stress to your already stressful daily life. According to the World Health Organization, “Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable tools to help you remain calm and continue to protect your health during this time.” Therefore physical exercise not only supports your physical health, but also your mental health, which in times like these, is especially important. WHO has recommended “150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous- intensity exercise per week”. But it does not matter how long or tough your workout is, studies prove that even a short workout can improve your mood and mental state instantaneously.
Still not convinced? Studies have also shown that exercise helps with: weight loss, digestion, promotes cardiovascular health, supports your muscles and bones, increases overall energy levels, reduces risk for chronic diseases, clears up your skin, promotes brain health and memory, increases sleep quality…. The list of benefits goes on and on.
“How do I start?”, you may ask… This is the most difficult part for some. But my advice is to start small and stay consistent. Make a schedule and stick to it. Here are my tips to boosting your coronavirus health:
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Take regular breaks:
Multiplied screen time puts strain on your body and mind. Sitting for hours on end can result in back pain and posture problems. Therefore, try and get up at least once every 30minutes for a quick stretch, walk around the room, a quick household chore or dance party.
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Participate in an online exercise class:
The positive side of quarantine is that all of your favourite Fitness Influencers and Personal Trainers are also at home. Many are sharing amazing, live, FREE exercise classes for you to participate in. This is a great option if you are unsure what to do and struggling to find motivation. By participating in a live class, you have all of the instruction and motivation you will need, from the comfort of your own home. Many classes can be found online, on social media such as Youtube, Instagram Live and Facebook. There are a variety of different classes available for different sports and difficulty levels: HIIT workouts, yoga, strength training, pilates, stretching, meditation, dance classes: the possibilities are endless.
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Go for a Walk or Run:
If you have the option to move outdoors, don’t waste it: go for a walk or run. If you do not have this luxury, you could also walk around your room during a call, or like 100 year old Colonel Tom, do laps in your garden. With all outdoor activities, remember to abide by the guidelines and regulations of your area and remember to maintain social distancing.
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Get creative:
If traditional workouts are not for you, that is okay! There are many ways to still keep active without even realizing. Building IKEA furniture or DIYing your living room, playing with your friends or pets, doing household chores and rearranging furniture, are all some unconventional ways to keep active. You don’t necessarily need a 5 km run or 20 min HIIT workout to stay active, the important part is that you stay moving!
Hopefully this has given you some new found motivation to jump into your workout gear! If you would like to exercise your brain too, Placement International is proud to announce the Hospitality Academy, your one-stop shop to a world of online learning opportunities. You can apply and find more information by contacting us at hospitalityacademy@placement-int.com.
