Archive article from 2020. This article describes the situation during the coronavirus pandemic. The measures and practical arrangements mentioned may no longer be up to date. Please see our contact page for the latest information on contact details and appointments.
Due to the measures put in place to tackle the coronavirus, people are exercising less. Activities are being cancelled, groceries are being delivered to people’s homes, sports clubs are closed and people are spending much more time at home. You’d like to exercise, but you may be wondering to what extent this is safe. In this article, you’ll find answers to some questions about sport and exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why should I keep moving?
A lack of exercise causes your muscle strength to decline and your fitness to deteriorate. By exercising regularly, you boost your immune system, keep your muscles, tendons and bones strong, and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. The Dutch exercise guidelines are: at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous activity. From the age of 65, it is also recommended that you do balance exercises.
I exercise a lot: can I keep training?
Yes, exercising keeps you fit. Fit people are less likely to fall ill. If you do fall ill, the symptoms are often less severe. We advise against training too intensively, as you are more susceptible to infection shortly after an intensive training session. Try to avoid activities that require two days or more to recover from. This will also help you avoid injuries that can occur if you start exercising too intensely without proper training or a gradual build-up.
Can I exercise if I have symptoms?
If you feel unwell and/or have a fever or muscle ache, do not exercise. If you only have mild symptoms such as a sore throat, a cough or a blocked nose, you may exercise. We do, however, recommend that you exercise at a moderate intensity – in other words, exercises or activities from which you will have recovered within a day.
Can I exercise outside?
Yes, just be careful of too cold air. This can increase susceptibility to infection. If it is very cold, start warming up indoors. Don't wait too long to shower and change clothes and ALWAYS keep the one-and-a-half-metre distance.
To conclude; some tips
- Stop smoking! For help, visit www.ikstopnu.nl;
- Be sure to wash your hands again with soap for 20 seconds straight after exercising;
- Keep one-and-a-half metres or more away;
- Get a good night's sleep;
- Avoid stress;
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
We also have some more tips to help you boost your immunity. With a stronger immune system, you’ll be better able to fight off infections. Read HERE our tips.
