Keep fit and carry on as lockdown measures lift

Covid-19 pandemic has sharpened the appetite for exercise and, as restrictions ease, now is not the time to give up

SINCE lockdown was announced in March, it has completely changed the way we go about our lives.

Required to stay indoors and apart from family and friends for weeks on end due to the coronavirus pandemic, one of the only moments of freedom was daily outdoor exercise.

Many of us took up new hobbies such as walking and cycling, and it played an integral role in raising spirits and keeping the body, as well as the mind, healthy. Now that restrictions are lifting, it would be a shame to leave those healthier habits behind.

Keeping up a daily walk or cycle can help in many ways, so why give it up? And when gyms and exercise halls eventually open up, there are many low-impact activities you can take up that are good for the body and the mind.

Here are 10 such forms of exercise to keep you active out of lockdown.

1. Walking One of the most popular low-impact exercises, walking works out the cardiovascular system. To burn more calories, you can pick up the pace, or choose a steep hill to include on your route.

2. Yoga Regular yoga helps improve your strength and balance. And, due to the postures and breathing techniques involved, it can lift your mood and benefit your wellbeing. Many poses can be altered depending on flexibility – so everyone can benefit.

3. Cycling Many cities are making cycling more accessible with cycle lanes, so now is as good a time as any to take it up. Build up your distance each ride. And be sure to purchase a bike of the correct size for your height – and always wear a helmet.

4. Swimming Swimming works out the entire body, and the water helps support your weight if you’re struggling with stiff joints. Taking to the pool works out multiple muscles, making it a fantastic all-rounder.

5. Dancing While dancing, you can almost forget you’re exercising and it’s a fabulous way of meeting new, likeminded friends. There are so many styles of dancing, from ballroom to salsa, ensuring you’ll find one to suit your tastes.

6. Pilates Focussing on rebalancing the body and improving posture through controlled movements working the core, pilates helps you build muscle strength and can improve wellbeing.

7. Tai chi The ancient Chinese art of tai chi brings together slow and controlled movements. This won’t get your heart pumping and burn calories but you will see an improvement in your posture, balance, flexibility and strength. 8. Golf Golf can involve walking distances around a course if you opt to leave the buggy and is a great exercise to help with your flexibility and co-ordination. It’s also an ideal way to meet new people with similar interests.

9. Aqua aerobics Another water-based exercise, aqua aerobics uses a variety of techniques from the studio and implements them in the pool. The water will provide balance and you’ll benefit from an all-over body workout.

10. Gardening If lockdown has spurred you on to take better care of your outdoor space, you may have already noticed the benefits of gardening. A fantastic low-impact exercise that works up a sweat without you realising, taking care of the lawn and flowerbeds can also improve your mood as you watch nature thrive under your guidance.