While COVID-19 has forced everyone into lockdown, the pandemic has turned regular routine on its head.
With gyms forced shut, group exercise classes a distant memory, and sport on the weekend a thing of the past, it seems many of us are, as a result, moving less.
In fact, as we mentioned last week, a recent survey by the Heart Foundation has revealed that 40% of those who are now working from home are walking less than usual (click here to find out more).
Well, it’s time to regain some balance and get moving, because it will benefit not only your physical health (your heart will thank you for it!) but also your mental health too (click here to find out about the mental health benefits of yoga).
Remember: the exercise recommendations are at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day.
Doing this can reduce heart disease by up to 35%, so it’s time to get moving.
So, how can you include movement as part of your regular routine?
Five ways to step it up
The Heart Foundation has suggested ‘five ways to step it up’ while you’re working from home or in lockdown, or as part of your day at work:
- Walk and talk: Boost your steps by walking around while talking on the phone.
- Break it up: If you can’t find time for a half hour walk, try breaking it up into 10-minute sessions throughout the day.
- Grocery run: Instead of driving to the supermarket for supplies, try walking instead or park further away from the store and walk part of the way.
- Well timed: Use the time you would have spent commuting to work to go for a morning or afternoon walk or do a workout at home.
- Sit less: Take regular breaks during working hours and use them to walk around the house.
“You can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 35% simply by walking 30 minutes a day, so making small, positive changes during this pandemic and beyond can bring big health benefits,” Heart Foundation Group CEO, Adjunct Professor John Kelly says.
So, while the COVID-19 pandemic has turned most things into disarray, regain a semblance of normality and balance by incorporating some movement into your day.
Your heart and your mind will thank you for it.
