What are the most popular exercises during the time of COVID-19?
Whether you were a regular gym bunny before the pandemic hit or more of a couch potato, the national lockdown saw many people either adapting to new ways of exercising or using it as an opportunity to improve their fitness.
And, as being homebound had the effect of making people feel anxious or down, lots came to appreciate the improved mental health benefits that regular exercise gives you.
Gyms have now reopened, but many people don’t yet feel confident about returning, or indeed may have got a taste for exercising at home or outside. Here we look at the most popular exercises during the time of COVID-19 and how you can take part yourself, while making sure you stay safe.
Running
It’s free and almost anyone can do it. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and away you go. If you’re just starting out, consider downloading the Couch to 5k app, which will help you gradually build the stamina to run to 5k and beyond.
However, running injuries aren’t uncommon and it’s important that you learn the correct running technique, as bad posture and habits such as a side-to-side pelvis drop can increase the likelihood of problems such as runner’s knee and shin splits.
Also, when running in urban areas, it’s vital that you keep your wits about you. Uneven, wet pavements could cause you to trip or fall. Take extra care when crossing roads, and wear bright clothing so motorists can see you.
Home gym
If you’ve got a bit of space at home or in your garage, why not set up a home gym. Weights and resistance training are great for building muscle, increasing bone density and improving your overall fitness. Look for equipment such as dumbbells, kettle bells and resistance bands, which you can pick up relatively cheaply, or find some second-hand bargains now lockdown is over.
However, it’s important that you know how to use the equipment correctly as injuries can occur. Items such as medicine balls have been shown to lead to head injuries, while resistance bands can cause eye injuries if you’re not exercising with caution.
If you’re considering adding some aerobic equipment, such as a treadmill, a recent study found that treadmills were responsible for more than one in three gym-related injuries. Always ensure you know how to use the equipment, be aware of your fitness levels and stop exercising if you feel faint or sick.
Cycling
If you were one of the many people who bought a bike in lockdown, you’ll know how many cyclists were out on the roads. In fact, government data showed that cycling was up 300% on some days during this period. Once you’ve bought your bike, it’s a cheap way to exercise and many people love the feeling of being out on the open roads.
Cycling can be a high risk activity, of course – over 18,000 cyclists were injured in 2016. Always wear a helmet and bright reflective clothing when out on your bike; make your intentions clear to other road users by signalling with plenty of notice and obey traffic lights and signs.
