As the fear of the coronavirus spread around the world, governments are left with no choice but to put their citizens under enhanced community quarantine to stop the transmission of this deadly virus. While people are advised to stay at home, many physical activities usually done outdoors such as jogging, playing sports or even going to the gym are now restricted.

Amidst the outbreak of COVID-19, one of the risks posed by having a sedentary or inactive lifestyle is its impact on our physical health. Since we are confined in our house for a long while, most of us would have nothing to do but to eat more or sleep longer than we used to.

The question is, how do we stay fit during this period that we are not able to go out for an exercise?

A sedentary lifestyle and its health risk

There are many risks posed by having an inactive lifestyle. In an article published by Medline Plus, being a couch potato can have an adverse impact on our physical health. Having fewer activities could raise the risk of many medical conditions such as:

• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Heart diseases
• Stroke
• Metabolic syndrome
• Depression and anxiety

In the same article, Medline Plus also stated that inactivity may also increase the risk of premature death.

Staying healthy during the quarantine

As the world fights the deadly coronavirus by keeping people confined in their homes, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the need to stay healthy amid the quarantine. To educate people on how to stay healthy, the WHO released a guide on how we can be active even at home during this pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends having at least 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity workout or 150 minutes weekly if you will do moderate-intensity exercises. WHO also listed some of the activities you can work out at home even with limited space and does not need any special equipment. 

Here are five things you can do to be physically fit while on quarantine:

1. Take short breaks during the day for physical activities

Movements such as doing chores, playing with kids or dancing are enough to keep you fit. Doing these short bouts of exercises should be able to help you reach the workout hours recommended by WHO.

2. Search the web to find and follow online exercises

The internet has a wealth of resources where you can find physical training videos you can watch and follow.

3. Walk around

Short walks can help you get fit. Instead of just sitting down while doing some tasks such as answering your phone, WHO suggests walking around as you talk.

4. Stand up whenever possible

Even just by standing up can contribute to your physical health.  You can turn your idle time into something that would be beneficial to your health.

5. Relax

Everyone can experience anxiety, however, worrying too much especially during these times of uncertainty could lead to serious consequences on our health, physically and mentally. It is therefore important to stay calm by meditating or following some relaxation techniques.

The threat of the deadly coronavirus is real and drastic measures are needed to prevent it from spreading. As we heed the call to stay at home to contain the virus, we should also be aware of the importance of not only keeping ourselves safe but to stay healthy as well while we wait for the quarantine period to end.