By Julian Cardenas
COVID-19 came and spread throughout the world like wildfire, prompting strict lockdowns to prevent the further spread of the disease. These restrictions disrupted the life that many people knew and forced everyone to adapt to a “new normal” to survive. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are no exception.
Due to the lockdowns, they began working out at home by doing pushups and other basic cardio workouts to maintain their mental and physical health.
Eventually, the restrictions eased, and gyms reopened, but they aren’t out of the woods yet with the arrival of monkeypox and the recession that’s scaring everyone. With these looming threats, people continue prioritizing their health and well-being to continue living their lives to the fullest.
Filipinos have different methods of staying healthy. Some follow a rigorous diet, while others exercise as much as possible. Among all the available exercises, how can Filipinos find the ideal one suitable during health crises?
Chris Escorel, a fitness coach and health consultant at Slimmers World, suggested a health plan and a workout routine for individuals to prepare for the times ahead. “The best workout, especially for those staying home, is cardio exercise. Examples [of that] are jumping jacks, high knees, squats, lunges, etc., because cardio exercise helps your body properly circulate the blood. It also helps our brain to function more properly as it releases the happy hormone so that we feel more relaxed and happier despite what is happening in our country,” he said.
He added these exercises work best if partnered with proper sleep and a diet that avoids high sodium and sugar foods to keep the body healthier.
If a gym is accessible, Escorel stated that a routine of body strengthening, cardio, and core fit exercise should get the most out of the individual during their time in the gym.
Body strengthening involves lifting weights to strengthen and build up the muscles. Meanwhile, cardio gets the proper heart rate and blood flow to make the body fluid. Some examples include boxing, jogging, and running. Lastly, the core fit is a workout routine that helps develop the speed, power, agility, balance, and coordination of the body, examples of this are Trx Training, squats, and planking.
Investing in the appropriate equipment for these exercises at home can make the suggested workout routines more efficient and safe. In the meantime, others prefer working out in gyms yet must adhere to the health protocols.
“We can’t do anything about it, hence why we need the vaccine. In the gym, for example, we can’t avoid making contact with other people as it’s our job as fitness trainers. The best way to avoid it is to sleep and eat well, exercise and be mindful of our surroundings,” he said.
He added that homes and workplaces shouldn’t be an exception to these practices as they secure the well-being of everyone involved.
Simply, it’s all about being responsible for one’s mind and body to keep one healthy. And during a crisis, it’s always best to look out for oneself.