Here's how much you should exercise at home during this coronavirus outbreak
| Mar 23, 2020, 10:56 IST
The coronavirus outbreak has taken over the world by storm. What started as simple flu has turned out to be one of the deadliest diseases mankind has come across. Needless to say, social distancing was announced and people were asked to isolate themselves in quarantine to keep themselves safe. Now, most people are totally nailing the social distancing thing but let's be honest, sitting at home all day can get to be a little mundane.
And it could probably be a nightmare for all those exercise and fitness freaks. Experts suggest that getting some exercise might actually do you good in preventing the disease. But how much exercise is too much and how little is too little? Experts claim that one should opt for exercise that lands somewhere in the middle and this phenomenon is termed as the 'J-shaped curve'.
Studies have shown that this type of exercise can help affect the body's immune system and make it stronger (which is why it's exactly what you need right now). A large study was conducted on the people from Hong Kong during the flu outbreak in 1998. It was found that people who exercised too much or got no exercise at all were at the highest risk of dying as compared to people who got moderate amounts of exercise.
Here are some guidelines on how much exercise you should and should not opt for during this time.
Should do: Get up to 20-45 minutes of exercise 3 times a week and make sure not to do something too strenuous. Try to maintain strength and not gain strength. Avoid any contact sports and engage with teammates virtually instead of physically. Disinfect any equipment you use during your exercise session and most importantly, get the right amount of sleep and eat well.
Should NOT do: Do not exercise so much that you get exhausted since you'll be a lot more prone to falling ill. Do not exercise if you have flu-like symptoms. Do not drink too many fluids in order to stay hydrated as that can also increase the risk of developing infections and do not exercise for more than five days a week (we suggest three).
Follow these tips and remember, the key to everything is to do it in moderation. Stay tuned for more updates.
And it could probably be a nightmare for all those exercise and fitness freaks. Experts suggest that getting some exercise might actually do you good in preventing the disease. But how much exercise is too much and how little is too little? Experts claim that one should opt for exercise that lands somewhere in the middle and this phenomenon is termed as the 'J-shaped curve'.
Studies have shown that this type of exercise can help affect the body's immune system and make it stronger (which is why it's exactly what you need right now). A large study was conducted on the people from Hong Kong during the flu outbreak in 1998. It was found that people who exercised too much or got no exercise at all were at the highest risk of dying as compared to people who got moderate amounts of exercise.
Here are some guidelines on how much exercise you should and should not opt for during this time.
Should do: Get up to 20-45 minutes of exercise 3 times a week and make sure not to do something too strenuous. Try to maintain strength and not gain strength. Avoid any contact sports and engage with teammates virtually instead of physically. Disinfect any equipment you use during your exercise session and most importantly, get the right amount of sleep and eat well.
Should NOT do: Do not exercise so much that you get exhausted since you'll be a lot more prone to falling ill. Do not exercise if you have flu-like symptoms. Do not drink too many fluids in order to stay hydrated as that can also increase the risk of developing infections and do not exercise for more than five days a week (we suggest three).
Follow these tips and remember, the key to everything is to do it in moderation. Stay tuned for more updates.