In the wake of the growing COVID-19 scare, several states have directed a lockdown, which includes shutting gyms. If you are someone who regularly works out in the gym, this could indeed be a frustrating time to stay put at home. But with the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, it's wiser to take all the necessary precautions. The good news is that you can always work out at home to stay fit. Fitness and health experts have advised gym freaks to instead hit the neighbourhood parks and make their home a place to work out. However, caution must be taken to keep distance while jogging or exercising in parks and other open spaces.
The Delhi government on Monday directed the closure of all gymnasiums, nightclubs, theatres, weekly markets and spas in the city till March 31, other than banning gatherings of more than 50 people. Fitness experts in Delhi/NCR too advised against hitting the gym as it is not the right thing during the COVID-19 outbreak. As the gyms remain closed, fitness experts advised that working out at home, jogging in parks and reducing caloric intake can be the right alternatives to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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Manoj Sharma, founder of The Inferno Fitness Club in Delhi/NCR said, "Walking is the simplest and most inexpensive activity you could do to win back good health. Try power yoga at home, if you're looking for a rigorous workout to shed excess kilos."
According to Sami Kazmi, a New Delhi-based certified personal trainer, if you do not have access to gym for certain days, here is how you can remain fit at home. "Perform some body weight exercises at home like squats, variation of lunges and push-ups, static holds like plank, squat hold, push up hold, bridge hold, etc.," suggested Kazmi. "Do yoga and meditation for flexibility and calmness and dance for endurance and stamina," he added.
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Do yoga and meditation for flexibility and calmness
According to Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director of Max Healthcare, while the government is trying to eliminate all the possibilities of potentially risky environments where mass gathering is seen, this is a good step taken. "Earlier where a huge crowd was seen in places like cinema halls, malls, school, colleges, offices etc have been ordered to remain closed. Gyms with smaller space and improper ventilation, and having many people working out at the same time has an increased chance of infection. While hygiene remains another major factor, it is neither possible to check the complete sterility of the equipment after each use, nor is it possible to restrict anybody with cough or cold to enter the gym," he explained.
Fitness freaks and enthusiasts can, meanwhile opt for walking, jogging, stretching exercises or yoga in open environments like parks, suggested Budhiraja.
Delhi-based Arushi Pande, a fitness enthusiast who is pursuing personal trainer and fitness certification (ISSA), said it is not impossible to maintain a healthy lifestyle regardless of the current situation. "Eat home-cooked meals and work out at home. This is the best time to work on abs, go for a jog in the park or perform morning/evening walks," said Pande.
"From squats, push-ups, plank and burpees, these are the best alternatives one can opt to cut some extra fat at home without going to the gym, Diet control is also important in such a situation," said Amar, another fitness enthusiast.
With inputs from IANS
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