Whether it be for yourself or your team - now is the time to get moving!
Exercise improves mood and sleep, gives you energy, benefits your mental health, improves you health and wellness, and improves immune function. Everything your team needs right now.
So why aren't we all exercising? “It’s too dangerous to be going outside now.” “I don’t want to risk catching the flu or COVID-19.” “I’m too tired.”
I’m sure we have all heard at least one of these reasons during this pandemic. Our knowledge of COVID-19 and our understanding behind the physiology of this virus is growing every day. As such, it can be difficult to work out what information is factual and what is unsupported. On top of this, with many of us working from the comfort of our own homes it is all too easy for us to 'pass' on that afternoon walk or take a miss on that workout session planned.
We know the benefits that physical exercise can have with improving our cardiovascular fitness, building muscles, maintaining our bone density, improving our mental wellbeing etc. So, do the risks associated with these barriers to exercise really outweigh the benefits of exercise? Let’s take a look into each statement and understand why it is more important than ever to continue exercising despite COVID-19.
“It’s too dangerous to be going outside now.”
As the majority of people exercising outside are doing so in the form of a walk, let’s explore this question as whether it is dangerous to be going for a walk or run.
The government has stated that exercise is a valid and essential reason to leave the house, with the caveat of adhering to social distancing principles and good hand hygiene. Our current understanding of COVID-19 suggests that transmission through sweat is unlikely and that droplet transmission itself pertains more to coughing. Specifically, walking and running have great benefits to your heart and lung health, which can be a protective measure against COVID-19. Exposure to sunlight and being able to interact with others exercising have very important benefits to our mental wellbeing as well. Alternatively, physical exercise in the form of a home workout can allow you to reap all the benefits of physical exercise without leaving the house (for those of us that find social interaction a chore).
“I don’t want to risk catching the flu as well as COVID-19.”
Part of the danger that may be associated with exercising outside is the idea of being more exposed to the flu or COVID-19 virus. Certainly, evidence has suggested through the NIH that colder temperatures may allow flu viruses to be more stable and effective at transmission. However, evidence also suggests that the social behaviours associated with the winter season – going outside less, staying indoors and staying in larger groups of people to stay warm – are other important factors influencing transmission (which is now largely eliminated due to social distancing).
Vaccines are a proven and critical method of combating the likelihood of catching the flu during winter. COVID-19 recommendations such as good hand hygiene, social distancing and stringent hygiene of surfaces provides a very strong safeguard against the flu too. Research has shown moderate physical exercise also has an important effect on cellular immunity, and protects against upper respiratory infections - which is another reason to exercise during the winter.
Probably one of the most common barriers to exercise and is one I am also often guilty of. With many of us working from the comfort of home with unpredictable hours, it can be easy to neglect exercise due to fatigue. However, research has shown that exercise improves circulation, and releases endorphins which counter-intuitively raise energy levels in the long run. Creating a routine that you enjoy and fits within your schedule, such as having an afternoon walk every day at 4pm, is key to creating habits, rather than fizzling out after a few days.
How can you help your team get moving?
Bringing your team together for virtual exercise sessions is an easy way to get them moving. Not only do you get the benefits of exercise, but also the benefits of connecting your team for something that is not a meeting - really important in the current environment.
Employ Health has been working with businesses to run virtual exercise and virtual pilates sessions.
Commando Steve Willis delivering virtual PT for Employ Health
Another easy way to get you team moving is by helping them move towards a goal. It can be hard to be motivated to exercise 'just because.' But working towards a goal, whether it be an event, a target or a milestone, can be a powerful motivator for behaviour change.
Key take away points:
- Now is still a great time to get exercising.
- Physical exercise has great mental, physical and immunity benefits which combat the negative effects of COVID-19.
- Supporting your team to get moving by engaging them in a health or activity goal or providing virtual exercise support will assist.
