Self-isolation is the perfect excuse to exercise
sir – Exercise can improve mental well-being and is recognised as being helpful for managing depression, as well as improving sleep, feelings of fatigue and quality of life. Significant improvements in our cardiorespiratory health can occur within a few weeks of commencing regular moderate-intensity exercise – an important fact when we consider that those with poorer cardiac and respiratory health suffer higher rates of morbidity and mortality when infected with the Covid-19 virus.
Strenuous exercise is not advisable for people showing symptoms of infection. However, for those without symptoms there are clear benefits to starting or continuing to exercise while in isolation, now that lack of time – a commonly cited reason for not exercising – is no longer an issue.
Exercise should include a combination of flexibility training, resistance and aerobic exercise. It can be performed in the home and outside, with the Government stating that those in isolation may leave their homes to exercise provided they avoid close social contact.
The fear and anxiety surrounding this disease is understandable, but there may still be opportunities to enhance our health by using the time offered to us as a catalyst for change. Dr Craig Sheridan
Colchester, Essex
sir – When isolation is over, I hope to return to a more normal life. Surely, though, I will still be at risk of infection. I can’t believe that successful isolation will bring immunity from the virus. If I am correct, what is the point? Tony Waldeck
Perranwell Station, Cornwall
sir – Our roadsides are disgracefully littered. What an opportunity we now have to clear them. This would provide fresh air, exercise, social distancing and relief from boredom. Judy Forbes
Coldstream, Berwickshire
sir – Sarah Knapton’s advice (report, March 18) that older people should go into their gardens for fresh air is wasted on thousands of us who have neither a garden nor a patio.
Such is the unimaginative design of most of Britain’s housing that we do not even have access to the meagre open-air space a balcony would provide. We can only dream of the relief a walk in a garden would bring. Tony Berry
Truro, Cornwall
sir – The current need for selfisolation has resulted in extreme measures in our household. My wife has dusted off the old wooden-tiled Scrabble board and has challenged me to a three month-competition. She won the first game. Graham Bond
Matching Green, Essex