With harsher lockdowns now well and truly in effect, staying active during a time where a lot is out of our control may seem more difficult than ever. But it’s now more important than ever to prioritize our health and well being. Whether it be to maintain your fitness levels, looking after our mental health or to help manage an injury or medical condition- there are still a multitude of options for continuing regular activity- albeit in a different way than once before!
You may have previously been attending group exercise classes, being part of a walking group or completing private training sessions. With many of these options ruled out for us currently you may feel discouraged, unmotivated or unsure on how to continue your exercise routine during the current climate. The good news is there is still plenty of ways you can remain active!
This might mean more outdoor activity- walking, running or bike riding, online classes or 1:1 TeleHealth sessions from the comfort (& safety!) of your home.
With so much advice & so many resources available online, it can be confusing to know which information you can trust. It’s important to appreciate that no one person is the same so although online gym classes are a great way to stay active, it’s important to consider a couple of things.
- Is this exercise right for me? That is, does it cater for any injuries I have, my previous activity levels and my goals? If the routine is the same for every participant- there’s a good chance the answer to this question is no.
- Take a moment to think about what your previous activity levels looked like- have you taken a break in the last couple of weeks to adjust to the new changes and restrictions? You may need to ease yourself back into your routine rather than returning to your previous activity straight away.
- What type of exercise should I be doing & how much? As we must consider each individual, (their circumstances, medical/injury history & their goals) there is no one answer to this question. Different amounts, types & frequency of exercises may be recommended for you, but this may change from person to person based on the above considerations. Seeing an Accredited Exercise Physiologist is a great option as they can assess these very things & make sure you are on the right track.
- Do you have any medical conditions or injuries? If so, it’s important you speak to an expert on how to best manage these, as there may be certain exercises (or types of exercise) that may be better suited for you. Accredited Exercise Physiologists are the highest qualified exercise professionals in Australia and are trained in the individualization and prescription of exercise for those with medical conditions, disabilities or injuries. If you were previously exercising whilst managing an injury or medical condition, it can’t hurt to speak with a professional to ensure you’re on the right track. You may also be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan from your GP which gives you access to 5 allied health services per calendar year to help manage chronic disease or injury.
At Your Body Hub we offer complimentary 15 minute consultations. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you during lockdown.