The importance of keeping active during the pandemic

It has been impossible to deny the negative effects that the pandemic has caused. For many, it has been two years of limiting social contact, staying home, social distancing, and most importantly, not working out.

The pleas from governments asking people to stay at home and stay safe have helped to curve the crisis of the pandemic to a degree, but has, unfortunately, uncovered other public health issues that are a concern.

Restricting people’s daily activities with lockdowns and curfews has caused a negative impact on our mental and physical well-being. There has been a rise in obesity levels; increased feelings of depression, stress and anxiety levels going through the roof; not to mention a severe rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. However, not all hope is lost. There is a way to combat all of these issues simultaneously.

Negative effects of the pandemic

Keeping active plays a significant role in tackling the negative effects of the pandemic. Now that the world is slowly opening back up again, it is time to put away the sweatpants, dust off those running shoes and start to workout.

Staying active helps combat the rise in obesity levels that have been an unfortunate side effect of the pandemic. The combination of being forced to work from home, with the luxury of not having to wear your usual office attire, and the freedom to constantly snack at your desk without judgement, has led to us all gaining a few pounds.

It is time to take control of this narrative, start to wake up and work out to get rid of the unwanted COVID-induced weight gain. Exercising helps combat obesity by increasing your total energy expenditure, which helps burn off excess body fat and gets us back to our pre-pandemic bodies.

If you haven’t worked out in a while, it is advised that you start with a gentle walk, gradually increasing to a mild jog. You can also enjoy other cardio activities to help you lose weight, such as cycling, swimming, or running. These forms of exercise are amazing at burning those unwanted COVID calories.

Mental health issues are another big problem that has arisen during the pandemic. If you have found yourself struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, it is perfectly understandable, as we have entered into an unknown era. But did you know that keeping active can help alleviate some of these feelings?

When you have depression or anxiety, exercise often seems like the last thing you want to do, but you will see a massive improvement in your mental state once you get started. This is because while you exercise, your body releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. These hormones enhance your sense of well-being, making you feel happier, less stressed, and more energised. Working out also helps to take your mind off your worries, so you can escape from the cycle of negative thoughts that are plaguing your mind.

Since the pandemic, there has also been an increase in NCDs. The stay-at-home measures implemented across the world have led to the rise in the lifestyle factors attributed to the development of NCDs, such as increased consumption of tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets, and reduced physical activity. This is not only worrying from a public health standpoint, but it also makes you more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with COVID-19.

Exercising regularly is essential for maintaining a good level of health and helps to avoid the development of NCDs. The recommended guidelines for keeping active are at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week. This can range from running, swimming, weight training, or even yoga.

However, before you embark on your keep-fit journey, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may have advice on what exercises are safe, and advise you on any precautions you might need to take while exercising.

If you have found that you have suffered from weight gain, depression or the development of an NCD during the pandemic, do not worry. Keeping active can help bring you back to your pre-pandemic self.

Follow this week’s workout below to start your exercise journey with The Gleaner. To view the full work out, visit our Instagram page @JamaicaGleaner.

Emma Anius is an online personal trainer for Wake up to Workout.

Stay active 5-minute workout

(30 seconds per exercise for three rounds)

Jump squats

Push-ups

Jumping jacks

Mountain climbers