Dr Markos Klonizakis (reader in clinical physiology) recently featured in ZME Science, discussing how individuals can work out in the age of coronavirus. Read an extract from Working out in the age of coronavirus:

“Even before the COVID-19 appearance, moving out and about – walking instead of taking the car, avoid prolong seating by taking several steps in and out the house or even dance when doing house chores have been recommended as means to “break” a sedentary lifestyle.

With COVID-19 being easier to spread in closed or confined spaces, where many people gather and close contact is unavoidable, the number one option is probably to move training outdoors. For those who can do that – whether this means jogging, taking long walks, hiking, exercise in open air gyms or taking place in park run activities – things are easier.

However, the question-mark remains for those who cannot: either because they physically can’t go out or because their condition requires some short of supervision. The matter of poor weather comes also into the equation – jogging or running in the park is easy when the weather is nice, but what can you do, when it is not?”

Dr Markos Klonizakis

The article is available to read in its entirety here.

Markos has also provided his top tips for staff wishing to stay active:

1) Be safe – follow the “physical distancing rule”.

2) Use apps, exercise videos and DVDs to make up for your daily exercise routine. There are plenty and cater for all tastes, levels and modes of exercise!

3) If you want to go out then try open-air gyms (the equipment of which you should wipe thoroughly), jogging or long walks – changing the pace periodically.

4) Avoiding being sedentary is probably more important than exercising. Walk instead of taking your car to do some shopping, dance while you do your house chores, walk up and down your house stairs, do a step count every 15-20 minutes if you are seated etc.

5) Again – be safe. Don’t try to be brave. We are not at war!