The Coronavirus Crisis Is Changing Plenty
– But Not Your Need for Exercise
People all over the world are having to make sacrifices because of the coronavirus. In just a few short days, the pandemic became the latest “new normal” affecting everything in our lives.
But here’s one thing it doesn’t change: You still need to exercise on a regular basis.
Move your body every day. “Social distancing” is not an excuse to eat Oreos on the couch and watch Netflix. This will all end someday, and you don’t want to be out of shape when that happens.
You also must continue to eat right, try to get proper sleep, and hydrate.
As you know, coronavirus has forced the closings of countless businesses, schools, entertainment facilities, restaurants, bars and, in many locations, gyms. New restrictions seem to come out each day.
Taking care of yourself is still important, maybe more so now than before. Remember, people over 60 are among those at higher risk of coronavirus infection. Take precautions to limit potential exposure. Talk to your doctor if you have medical questions.
A Reminder Why Exercise Is Crucial – Regardless
Exercise is crucial to healthy living after age 50. There is no asterisk (*) for periods of public health crises.
So, here are a few of the top reasons you must keep moving every day.
- Exercise keeps you physically healthy and strong. It improves your balance and stamina. And it prevents the loss of muscle and bone, which happens as we age unless we fight back with fitness.
- Exercise alleviates stress. And we’re all under more of it right now than normal. Sitting on the couch does absolutely nothing to help.
- Exercise improves your mood, mental focus and memory.
- It also fights depression, which could become more of a problem if this crisis continues for long.
- It improves blood pressure and it limits the risk of diabetes, cancer and other diseases.
Links to help you stay informed:
- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
- Do This, But Don’t Do That, from washing hands to cleaning house, from WebMD
- Myths and misinformation (no, essential oils and garlic don’t help)
- A fun list of songs to sing while washing your hands
Gordon Palmer – Founder of Project Body Smart