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As more and more Australian’s are self-isolating due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, it has become harder for many to stay fit and active. It can sometimes be a little too easy to avoid exercise when being couped up inside. However, there are many benefits to participating in exercise to get through self-isolation.
The most obvious reason to staying active during isolation is the physiological benefits. These include improving mobility, strength, decreasing the risk of falls, managing pain symptoms and improving cardiovascular fitness. Whilst having access to gym equipment is limited, there are some simple exercises that you can complete in the comfort of your own home which require little to no equipment at all. There are many ways exercises can be adapted to a home-based environment which can include using bottles filled with water or using tins or cans for weights.
Humans are social beings. We enjoy communication and face-to-face interaction. While it is important to limit our social interaction, especially for those who are at a higher risk of becoming ill, isolation can take a toll on our mental health. Taking a little time in your
day to participate in exercise can improve your mental state. Exercising stimulates the production of hormones known as endorphins from the pituitary gland of the brain. These hormones have a positive psychological effect by being linked to changes in mood, reducing stress and improving sleep quality.
Lastly, and most importantly during this time, exercise can improve your immune system. Participating in physical activity has been clinically proven to increase the count of leukocyte cells in the blood stream. Otherwise known as white blood cells, these cells help fight off foreign invaders and disease.
So next time you are looking for something to do, consider going for a walk around the block or completing some simple exercises at home. Click here to see some tips and examples of resistance-based exercises.
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