So, you’re in lockdown and can’t get to the gym. Should you stop exercising? Absolutely not! It’s now more important than ever, to get your heart pumping every day. Science shows that regular daily exercise is critical in helping you to maintain a healthy immune system.1
If you don’t normally exercise – this is a great time to try something new, in the privacy of your own home. Exercise can be something fun to do with the kids, and it will boost your mood and help deal with stress, anxiety and boredom.
With all gyms closed and personal trainers in lockdown, the world of exercise is now your personal oyster – everyone is online, offering loads of choice in terms of online options!
And importantly, starting a regular great exercise habit right now is one of the best ways to keep you and your family healthy, during these uncertain times.
“Evidence now suggests that your immune system is boosted after exercise — for example we know that exercise can improve your immune response to a flu jab,”says Prize Fellow Dr John Campbell from the University’s of Bath’s Department for Health.2
Dr Campbell explained that in the short term, exercise can help the immune system find and deal with pathogens. In the long term, regular exercise slows down changes that happen to the immune system with ageing, therefore reducing the risk of infections.
“Provided exercise is carried out according to latest government guidance on social distancing, regular exercise will have a tremendously positive effect on our health and wellbeing, both today and for the future.”3
How much exercise is the right amount?
World Health Organisation recommendations are for all adults to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, as well as muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.
But any activity is better than none, and more activity provides more physical and mental health benefits.4 So feel free to start slowly, just five minutes a day, and increase gradually over time.
Mix it up, and try something different. With all the free online options, there’s no commitment and everything is on offer. Always fancied having a go at belly dancing? Type it in, and away you go! Sessions online now include everything from barre-based workouts and sweaty HIIT sessions tailored for small spaces to power flow-yoga and booty-blast classes, so that you can pulse, sweat, plank, and burpee your way through self-isolation.
To get you started, here are a sampling of five great exercise gurus you can follow for free on youtube:
Joe Wicks
youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1
Joe Wicks is making a name for himself as the nation’s PE teacher with a goal to offer free home workouts to everyone, no matter what their fitness levels. Just jump onto youtube and check out The Body Coach TV 2020. He does a live PE session 9 am every day, and there are over 250 free workouts stashed for you to try, whenever it suits you.
Up to the BEat Fit
youtube.com/channel/UC3wm6Rex4kcvOVpqxNHeAqg
Created by former professional dancer Gina Buber, Up to the BEat Fit offers low-impact workouts full of functional movements that are fun, effective and will keep you coming back for more.This Aussie program is full of energy, positivity and awesome music that will have you feeling (and looking!) your best.
Yoga with Adriene
youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
She’s brilliant, relaxed, funny and offers yoga for all levels of experience. Get into deep breathing and enjoy your body! Adriene offers all types of yoga – yoga for complete beginners, yoga under 10 minutes, 20-30 minutes, yoga for bedtime, relaxation, weight loss, neck and shoulders, etc.
Walk at Home by Leslie Sansone
youtube.com/user/walkathomemedia
If you thought isolation would stop you from walking, then think again!
Leslie Sansone’s indoor walk fitness program is designed to get you walking in the comfort of your own home. Not only has Leslie’s workouts being around for over 30 years, they have helped million of people live active and healthy lives. Real people, all shapes and sizes. Don’t underestimate the power of walking.
Joanna Soh
youtube.com/user/joannasohofficial
With over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, Joanna offers free workout videos, nutrition tips and delicious healthy recipes that has everything you need for your self-isolation period, and beyond! Whether you’re into kickboxing and barre or simply want a fat burning workout that will have you sweating buckets, Joanna has you covered.
Do you have any health or nutrition questions during lockdown? Have a free live chat with one of our Nutritional Therapists. Just click the purple chat icon.
