We all know that lockdown is essential to flatten the curve of COVID-19. But it has forced us to change our daily routine. We are not going outside for work, to meet with our loved ones or go to the movies and restaurants.
Do you miss going to the gym or jogging in a park? We can’t do a lot of activities that we liked, like going for a swim, walk or cycling around the neighbourhood. And if these are your modes of exercising, then you’ve been forced to give them up.
Not exercising for the whole duration can have an adverse effect on your health.
Luckily, there are plenty of exercises that can be done from the safety of your home and you don’t even need gym equipment. Even if you don’t exercise, now is a good time to acquire this life-saving habit because we have so much time on our hands.
Studies say, that sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity during lockdown will impose negative effects on our health, well-being and quality of our life. Such negativity will drastically ruin our lives in the long run, thus welcoming many hurdles towards our health.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
WHO has advised us all to stay physically active during lockdown and isolation. Exercise and health are linked. The more active you are, the less likely you are to fall ill.
In fact, it is believed that exercise reduces the possibility of contracting communicable diseases (like COVID-19, flu) and even non-communicable diseases (like cancer, heart diseases, hypertension or diabetes).
Does exercise make our immunity stronger? Yes. Blood supply to all parts of the body increases. Cells get more oxygen and nutrients, which make them stronger and more capable of handling pathogens. And through exercise, you can also ward off illnesses like heart diseases or diabetes, which make COVID-19 fatal.
Exercise also releases endorphins or happy hormones that make us feel relaxed and calm. These hormones also help us cope with stress and anxiety- something we desperately need during this global health crisis.
Push-ups and dips are some exercises that are easy to do indoors to build upper body strength and muscles, try mixing up workouts like committing to a brief 10-minute workout solely focused on cardio or core strength.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
We are going to discuss a few whole-body exercises that will put different parts of your body to use to keep them strong and flexible. Do as many repetitions as you are comfortable with.
Your strength and endurance will increase gradually and you will be able to work out for longer. Pushing yourself too hard right from the start may cause cramps and injuries.
Lunges are an all-time favourite. There are many versions of it and you can pack them all into your work-out session. Here are a few you must try-
Planks may look simple but they are truly challenging. It works your entire body. Try both the regular plank and the side plank. Once you get used to planks, incorporate leg lifts in your plank routine. Here are a few benefits of the plank-
Mix up your lunges with squats as they work really well together. Like lunges, there are different types of squats and you can pick the ones your body is comfortable with. Beginners should opt for the conventional two-leg squats.
You can base your whole exercise routine on a jumping rope or skipping because this cardio exercise is simply amazing.
The goodness of burpees extends to all parts of the body. Burpees are difficult. So start with a simple non-pushup variation of burpees and do just a few.
Also Read: Does Skipping Reduce Weight? Examining the Facts and Myths
For good luck, we’ll throw in just one more exercise into the mix. This one is called power walking. Yes, good old walking can be one of the best exercises for strength and power. If done in a brisk manner accompanied by swift arm movements, this exercise can help you lose some weight amongst other great benefits.
Since we all are stuck in this Covid-19 world, make sure you take all safety precautions before venturing out. Keep a safe distance from others while walking. Otherwise, a 10-15 minute walk in your terrace or garden can do the trick just as well. Partaking in this short workout will better the strength of cardiac muscles, and also prevent severe joint pain in later years of your life.
Also Read: FUPA Workout: Effective Techniques to Burn Lower Belly Fat
In the current situation, it can be tough to keep yourself motivated to do anything, let alone exercise! Hence, here are some simple tips you can follow to bring out the workout clothes which have been collecting dust for quite some time now:
Try different forms of exercise every day and allow yourself one rest day to let your body heal. Stay home at all times, eat healthily and exercise. We will emerge from the crisis as stronger individuals.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The second phase of the vaccine drive against COVID-19 has already begun in India earlier this month. This phase is set to cover more than 10 crore people across the nation who are above the age of 60 years. The second phase also includes vaccinating people aged more than 45 years who are living with comorbidities against the novel coronavirus. The second phase has been welcomed with more positivity.
Many of the people who have received the vaccine think that immunity against the virus means they no longer need to wear a mask in public places and gatherings. However, this is a misconception as the COVID-19 vaccines do not guarantee that a person cannot be a carrier of the virus. There is a sudden rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in India and health officials are anticipating a second wave of the virus.
Since February 2021, the cases of COVID-19 have been steadily rising in states like Punjab, Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala. The curve began to pick up even in regions where a vaccination drive had already taken place. To flatten the suddenly rising curve, administrations of cities like Nagpur, Pune, Nasik, as well as governments of states like Punjab and Uttarakhand have imposed lockdowns and night curfews once again.
The government is continuously urging the people to sign up for the vaccination drives in an attempt to flatten the curve. However, after receiving the vaccine it is still necessary to observe COVID-19 protocols because vaccinated people could still have a chance of being carriers of the virus. Until all the people of the country have received the vaccine, it is wise to still mask up and regularly wash hands for the safety of those around you.
Get vaccinated and stay fit!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
