Exercise during the years of the Covid-19 pandemic

In recent years, we’ve been hearing about how important exercise is for our physical and mental well-being, how it boosts our immune system, and fortifies our health. It’s a fact.

A large percentage starts exercising shortly before the summer months or after the holiday season – that is, after overindulging in food and alcohol. It’s a reality.

Last year, we all found ourselves in the unpleasant situation of lockdown and fear of Covid-19 transmission, and perhaps exercise wasn’t our priority in order to protect ourselves from it.

However, the restriction and lack of options created the need for exercise even for those who didn’t have “the time” or the “mentality.” And the truth is, exercise fortifies health, can reduce the chances of viral infection, and maintain the quality of life.

How?

During infection, the coronavirus attacks the lungs, causing inflammation, which starts to destroy lung tissues. When you are active, the muscles, which account for 30-40% of our body weight, release compounds that strengthen the immune system, improve lung function, and reduce the likelihood of infection.

Physical exercise prevents heart diseases, diabetes, and some types of cancer, which increase the chances of severe recurrence, possibly even death, in case of Covid-19 infection.

As the pandemic continues, stress and poor psychological state will increase. Lockdown, isolation, reduced or non-existent income, job loss, disappointment – these are strong factors that can lead to depression.

What happens in a stressed organism? Imbalance is created between cortisol levels and other hormones, resulting in weakening of the immune system and making it vulnerable to all kinds of infections.

What do we need to do?

According to the guidelines of the National Public Health Organization, measures against the virus transmission include social distancing, mask-wearing in indoor and outdoor areas, and frequent hand sanitization.

Physical exercise should also be added to this list, according to the guidelines of the ACSM (American College of Sports and Medicine). We all need to know how important its contribution is to reducing the likelihood of Covid-19 infection and reducing stress during the pandemic.

Thalia Roupakioti

Advanced Personal Trainer

SOURCES:

James F. Sallis, Ph.D., FACSM, Michael Pratt, M.D., M.P.H., FACSM