Yes, the last several weeks have been difficult for everyone and the next several weeks probably will even be more difficult.
What positive things can we do for our bodies and mind?
-1- Eat healthy and drink plenty of water
-2- Stay on a schedule. True, your regular or normal routine probably has been changed because of the current situation so develop a new routine
-3- Be kind and patient with others
-4- Do something good for others. It could be as simple as calling a friend, neighbor or family member that you have not been in contact with for a long while.
-5- EXERCISE: This does not mean you have to run a Marathon! It could be mean a 10 to 30 minute stretch, Pilates, yoga session first thing in the morning. This is a great way to start the day. Then later in the day go for a walk, jog or run.
It does not have to be far or fast. Make it a family event and include everyone especially your Canines!
-6- SURPRISE BONUS for YOU……..At the end of this email.
Fears of a Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic are a timely reminder that regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle is still one of our best defenses.
If you’ve been following the news, you know the drill: wash your hands thoroughly, cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, clean surfaces thoroughly, self-isolate if you think you’ve been in contact with an infected person. Until a vaccine is developed, these are the recommendations for preventing the spread of Covid-19.
If exercise was a pill it would be regarded as a wonder drug, the best medicine, so powerful are its known effects to improve everything from general wellbeing to musculoskeletal disease to cardiovascular problems to diabetes, multiple sclerosis, mental health, anxiety and depression.
So, aside from getting stronger and fitter, here are three big reasons to keep exercising – or to start if you aren’t already:
SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
It’s simple – being physically fit increases your immunological fitness too. Basically, exercise increases blood flow and mobilizes white blood cells, one of the main defenses against harmful microbes. At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week is recommended, but anything is better than ZERO.
REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CHRONIC ILLNESS
The American College of Sports Medicine’s “Exercise Is Medicine” project has documented the myriad health benefits of exercise, including lowering the incidence of various cancers, reducing the risk of excessive weight gain (with its associated health problems, including diabetes) and improved cardiovascular health (including lower risk of hypertension and stroke). All of these contributed to an overall lower risk of all causes of mortality in people who exercise. Another large analysis reported in 2009 found these same benefits were experienced by people already suffering from chronic conditions.
IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Stress hormones compromise immune function but exercise, including yoga and running, is very good at combatting stress. Numerous studies have shown that regular physical activity is associated with better mental health, including a reduced risk or incidence of dementia, reduced feelings of anxiety and depression, improved cognitive function, improved quality of life, improved sleep. Again, the latest neuroscience shows that even moderate physical activity can have major benefits.
To say exercise is always more effective than conventional medicine is a stretch, and no one is saying a workout will help in a genuine health emergency.
Exercise is NOT the ultimate solution to Corona-19 but it will help keep your body and mind in better condition so you can deal with a new normal and until we can return to a regular routine.
BONUS FOR YOU…………..
Free fitness videos from Yoga and Pilates to Spinning plus make other classes from the outstanding instructors at FFC (Formula Fitness Clubs) in Chicago.
Here’s the link for your 30-day TOTAL FREE TRIAL.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Coach Mark Buciak, QCC
Senior Writer, The Chicago Athlete Magazine
Program Director, THE ROAD TO BOSTON Training Program
Vice-President, Boston’s Quarter Century Club
Email: theroadtoboston@rcn.com
