Covid-19 means that we can’t do most of the things we are used to and can usually do without even giving it a second thought. Most public spaces are closed including bars, restaurants, and gyms, and in some areas, even parks.
Some of these restrictions have made it difficult for people to get the type of exercise that they’re used to while some have adapted their homes to make the most of them for exercise. For some people, this might be easy, but a lot of people out there might not be thinking about even the most basic principles;
- Stretch
- Air
- Space
Stretching is an important part of the exercise as it gears up the muscles for what's about to come while breathing in enough oxygen as you exercise is essential for a proper workout. Many people might not give their surroundings a second thought but not planning this can be dangerous.
Ready the Muscles for a Workout
Before you begin any type of exercise, it is extremely important that you stretch your muscles first. One of the city’s leading sports medicine practitioners, Dr.Marvell Scott of New York states that stretching is an essential part of the exercise as it aids with recovery and prevents injury from occurring in the first place.
For example, pulling a muscle can stem from not stretching and this can cause severe pain while taking a long time to recover. It’s not uncommon for a muscle strain to take months or in some cases years to completely recover. Musculoskeletal injuries like these can continue in life as well and can require strong and potentially addictive painkillers.
Get the Air Flowing
Every exercise technique should coincide with a specific breathing technique to aid the oxygen circulation. When you exercise, your muscles are working harder than they usually would be and this requires more energy. The most efficient way for the human body to use energy is metabolizing oxygen which is done through breathing as much air as is required.
When you exercise harder, you will require more air in order to provide your hard-working muscles with the energy they need. Alongside the necessary breathing routine, one of the best ways to boost oxygen when exercising is to let as much fresh air into the room as possible. Open the doors and windows of your home to achieve this.
Make Some Room for What You Need
An often overlooked aspect of beginning an exercise is the amount of space around you. Most exercises require a large room with plenty of space and nothing that can get in your way, be tripped over or knocked off of something. Basically, don’t do it in your lounge in front of the TV. Communal and family areas are full of things that can be dangerous when exercising such as charging wires, electrician items, and furnishings.
Some people find it useful to create a designated area, usually a spare room or an area of a large room like a master bedroom for exercising. If you are lucky enough to have a basement or a garage then these make excellent spaces for exercise since no one is likely to bother you and they are usually cooler than the rest of the home.
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