Thanks to the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many Americans are spending their workdays stuck at home, staring at a computer screen for hours on end. While social distancing is crucial for avoiding infection, it doesn’t mean that you can’t maintain an active lifestyle.

 

In this article, our Tampa Bay cardiac specialists discuss several tips for staying active while stuck indoors. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for patients suffering from heart disease, who are at an increased risk for the coronavirus. If you feel glued to your chair, or you’ve run out of shows to binge on Netflix, get up, stretch, and start moving! 

Work With What You Got

You don’t need a packed gym to have a good workout; you don’t need a balcony either. Many of the simplest and most effective exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home. Here are just a few: 

 

• Push-ups

• Sit-ups

• Forward lunges

• Squats

• Forward and side planks 

 

And those are just the exercises that can be performed without dumbbells, resistance bands, or a yoga ball! For some added motivation, you can join an online workout class. A number of fitness centers are live-streaming their workout classes for free during the coronavirus outbreak. Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, and Crunch Fitness are just a few of the fitness franchises providing workout, yoga, dance, and kickboxing videos and live-streams. 

 

Related: How to Stay Active When Dealing With Heart Disease

For Older Adults 

Like those with heart disease, older adults (65 and older) are at a higher risk for severe illness if they contract the coronavirus. For older adults staying home and staying safe, it’s important to focus on strength and balance exercises. Yoga, resistance training, and seated exercises are excellent for older adults who want to maintain muscle strength as they age. Be sure to research the proper form before attempting a new exercise!

 

Related: Safe Exercise Tips for Patients With Heart Disease 

Venturing Outside 

We mentioned social distancing, which is vital for avoiding infection; however, there’s no reason you can’t venture outside so long as you maintain a safe distance from others — at least six feet. As long as you are mindful of your surroundings, there’s no reason you can’t go for a walk, jog, or bike ride in your neighborhood. And although it may be tempting, you should continue to avoid public spaces, such as gyms and swimming pools. 

Making Self-Care a Priority

The coronavirus is a stark reminder of how important it is to take care of ourselves. Staying active is only one aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Even as you’re stuck indoors, you should do what you can to eat healthily, manage stress, and sleep well. 

 

Finally, if you do begin to display symptoms of the coronavirus, it’s important to call a health care professional for medical advice and reserve your energy for getting better. Your health and wellness is of the utmost importance. For any questions or concerns you may have regarding your heart health and the coronavirus, contact Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, one of the top Tampa cardiac specialists. 

To consult Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, one of the top Tampa cardiac specialists, please call (813) 344-0934 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

 

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. 

 

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC is not responsible nor does the medical practice approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.