SALT LAKE CITY — The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents some challenges to maintaining a physically active lifestyle. COVID-19 is spread by droplet transmission – someone sneezing or coughing into the air or onto a surface, and then the virus enters a new host through the mouth, nose or eyes. The most up-to-date information about COVID-19 should be accessed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Given what we understand about transmission of the virus, the CDC recommends avoiding gatherings of 10 people or more, and maintaining a social distance of 6 feet or more. That, along with recommendations related to personal hygiene (hand washing, not touching your face) may create concern about exercising in gyms, where hundreds of people are in and out on a daily basis. Those at greatest risk for severe complications of COVID-19 are the elderly (defined as age 60 and older), and others with chronic diseases or compromised immune function. Those individuals should avoid gyms altogether, and exercise at home or in their neighborhood.
For all of us, young and old, regular physical activity remains an important strategy for staying healthy! Compared to being sedentary, moderate intensity physical activity is associated with better immune function. Likewise, regular physical activity is associated with lower levels of anxiety and perceived stress (which many of us are feeling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic).
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend 150-300 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity, and 2 sessions per week of muscle strength training. Fit in 2, 5, 10 or 20 minutes, however and wherever you can. Every active minute counts!
Below are some strategies to maintain physical activity and fitness:
Aerobic Activities
Indoor Activities
- Put some music on and walk briskly around the house or up and down the stairs for 10-15 minutes 2 or 3 times per day.
- Dance to your favorite music.
- Jump rope (if your joints can handle it) Do an exercise video.
- Use home cardio machines if you have them.
Outdoor Activities
- Walk or jog around your neighborhood (avoid crowded spaces).
- Be active in a local park. Spending time in nature may enhance immune function. Be sure to wash your hands when you get home.
- Go for a bicycle ride.
- Do gardening and lawn work (Spring is around the corner!).
- Play active games with your family.
Muscle Strength Training
- Download a strength workout app to your smart phone, such as the 7-Minute Workout (no equipment necessary)
- Do a strength training video.
- Perform yoga – deep breathing and mindfulness can also reduce anxiety.
- Find ways to do simple muscle strengthening exercises around your house such as squats or sit-to-stands from a sturdy chair-ups against a wall, the kitchen counter or the floor, and lunges or single leg step-ups on stairs
Don’t sit all day! For example:
- If watching TV, get up during every commercial (or periodically) and do a lap around your place or an active chore. Throw some clothes in the laundry, do the dishes or take out the garbage. Feel productive after just one show!
Here are current answers to frequently asked questions about physical activity and exercise with respect to COVID-19:
Q. I’m under quarantine but not infected. Should I limit my physical activity?
A. There are no recommendations at this time to limit physical activity if you do not have any symptoms. Symptoms that should prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider include cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
Q, Will exercise help prevent me from getting the virus?
A. Moderate-intensity physical activity is associated with a healthier immune system. However high-intensity high-volume training may suppress immune function especially if you are unaccustomed to it. Balance your workout program.
Q. Are there precautions I should take?
A. The most important strategy to prevent infection is to avoid coming into contact with others who are infected with COVID-19.
Q. What if my kids are home with me?
A. Being active with kids is the most fun of all! Find activities that you can do together – an active gaming video, basketball in the driveway, go for a walk in the neighborhood.
Q. What if I start to experience symptoms?
A. Those experiencing symptoms should follow the CDC recommendations.
Q. I’m under quarantine and infected. Should I limit my physical activity?
A. People who are known to be infected, but asymptomatic, can continue moderate intensity physical activity, but need to use symptoms as a guide. They should take care to maintain quarantine to prevent virus transmission to others. If they develop fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should discontinue physical activities and reach out to a healthcare provider.
