Active in a Time of Social Distancing
Nearly everyone can benefit from becoming more physically active, as the benefits of regular physical activity enhance health for all age groups.(1),(2)
Our normal routines have been disrupted and all of us are looking for ways to stay healthy, positive and keep our immune system strong. Physical activity improves immune function, reducing the risk of viral and bacterial infections, as well as chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.(3) Physical activity reduces feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, while promoting an overall sense of emotional well-being.(4)
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (2) shares that ANY amount of physical activity of ANY kind is beneficial. Maximizing benefits include:
Adults: At least 30 mins of moderate intensity physical activity 5 days a week.
Children & Adolescents: At least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
Here are a variety of ways you can move your body today no matter where you are:
15-Minute Cardio video with Jessica Smith
PE with Joe for kids
1 Mile Walk at Home with Leslie Sansone
Do Yoga With Me for all levels
Strengthening with Turbulence Training using your body weight
Apps like Sweat with Kayla and Beachbody
The YMCA and other local fitness facilities are offering free online classes.
Ideas for you to Move More Anywhere from the American Heart Association (AHA)
The AHA shares 25 Ways to Get Moving at Home
Visit the American Heart Association to download a PDF of this poster.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-exercise-really-medicine
https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf
Campbell JP, Turner JE. Debunking the Myth of Exercise-Induced Immune Suppression: Redefining the Impact of Exercise on Immunological Health Across the Lifespan. Front Immunol. 2018;9:648. Published 2018 Apr 16. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.00648
Mikkelsen K, Stojanovska L, Polenakovic M, Bosevski M, Apostolopoulos V. Exercise and mental health. Maturitas. 2017;106:48–56. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.09.003
