As we enter the extended period of our national lockdown, we seem to be getting the hang of things. And while a sense of anxiety still looms over our heads, especially when we tune into the news, we can still choose to have hope. Even if it seems as if we have no control over the situation.
According to one health professor, there is one thing you could be doing right now to have some control and improve your chances of surviving the virus in case you catch it…
ALSO SEE: How To Treat COVID-19 From Home – We Ask An Expert
What is the one thing?
Professor Neil Ferguson, from Imperial College London’s school of public health, advised the public to stay fit and healthy, and potentially lose weight you case you need it. Yes, it may mean reducing the number of trips we make to the kitchen during this time.
Professor Ferguson said, “It is always better to stay fit and healthy. We need to assess our risks from a personal perspective, including getting fit and losing weight.”
Professor Neil’s advice comes as new statistics show that a substantial amount of people who have been admitted to ICU for coronavirus are obese, and a lot of these patients then die.
ALSO SEE: How Moderate Exercising Can Boost Your Immune System
Why is losing weight important?
Another health expert, Fredrik Karpe – who’s a professor of metabolic medicine at Oxford University – commented that excess weight could make it harder for your body to fight the virus. He explained, “If you have a big belly, then when you lie down the weight of it pushes your diaphragm upwards, reducing lung volume. “This virus is all about lung function.”
We all know the link between several diseases and being unfit is not new. A study done by Queen’s University last year looked at the link between the risk of several diseases and time spent being inactive.
It claimed that 69,276 deaths a year are associated with living a sedentary lifestyle, with irregular exercise and lots of time spent sitting down.
There is good news!
You can always do something about it – even starting today! If you’re looking for ways to keep fit during lockdown, we have a few suggestions.
Professor Karpe suggested that walking is actually the best way to start, and that your lung capacity could improve in just two weeks. But as we are not allowed outside of our properties, a walk in your garden or around your house can do the world of good.
If you’d prefer to exercise in the house, we love the workouts designed Joe Wicks. He has launched a brilliant series of workouts for seniors, which you can easily follow at home.
SEE ALSO: Workout At Home With The Body Coach, Joe Wicks
Annie Deadman, UK-based personal trainer has established her business as being one that can help more mature women feel confident and strong in their bodies. Check out her awesome workout videos, available on YouTube:
With so many easily-accessible resources, you’ll struggle to find an excuse not to get moving!
