Exercise During COVID-19

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 150-300 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity and 2 sessions per week of muscle strength training. It is usually easiest to fit in two 5, 10 or 20 minutes of exercise sessions throughout the week, especially since many people either can't or won't go to the gym now. So, every minute counts.

Here are some ideas for indoor activities:

If you haven't already thought of this, try dancing to music, walking briskly around your house, or climbing up and down your stairs for 10-15 minutes several times a day. Or you can jump rope if you have one for 5-10 minutes. There are many exercise videos on youtube that are easily accessible. The only stopping you is you!

For strength training, download a workout app to your smart phone, like the 7-Minute Workout. You can find strength training video apps as well. You don't need any equipment to do most of the exercises.  For example: squats, sit-to-stand from a sturdy chair, lunges, single leg step ups on stairs, or push-ups against a wall, the kitchen counter or the floor.

These activities can help the immune system to ward off a virus or lessen the severity if you get one. Exercise with vitamin supplements and good nutrition will give your body the best chance it has.