by Jennifer Cox Fitness Physical activities where you can socially distance The effects of the pandemic, particularly social distancing, have forced us to re-evaluate a lot of our daily routines. These include exercising. Many of us were used to hitting the gym or joining in on a group class, and this changed completely with COVID-19. However, there are still a lot of great activities that you can enjoy while maintaining a safe distance from others – you can get your exercising and socializing in, all while staying protected. The gym. Yes, gyms have reopened. Most professional gyms are doing everything they can to comply with health recommendations to maintain social distancing: spacing out machines; putting plastic dividers between machines and workout stations; only allowing a certain number of people in at a time; etc. But you should be proactive too − make sure to wipe down machines before and after you use them, sanitize your hands frequently and avoid changing in the locker rooms. Swimming. Most cities have reopened their indoor pools, and public pools have increased their rules and regulations (limiting the number of bathers at a time, closing locker rooms, etc.). Water exercise classes usually have participants who are adequately spread out too. Tennis. Another fantastic cardiovascular activity, tennis courts are spacious enough to keep everyone playing protected. Play a game of singles, or even doubles. The World Health Organization recommends that everyone be active, even in these times when we find ourselves at home much more than usual. All adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout the week. ▶▶For additional health benefits, adults should increase their moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week, or equivalent. ▶▶For developing and maintaining musculoskeletal health, muscle-strengthening activities involving major muscle groups should be done on two or more days a week. ▶▶In addition, older adults with poor mobility should do physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on three or more days per week. Golf. Whether you hit the driving range or play a round of 18 holes, there’s always lots of room to socially distance on the golf course. If you rent your clubs or a golf cart, you can wipe them down for added safety (however, most reputable golf courses should be disinfecting these). Biking or jogging. Join a friend or two and hit a great path. You can maintain a safe distance and get in a great workout too. A few guidelines to follow: ▶▶Move aside or pass others quickly. ▶▶Keep a two-metre distance from others. ▶▶When moving at a faster pace, try and stay as far away from others as possible. ▶▶If you are behind someone else, stay back and try to stagger yourself so that you aren’t too close. ▶▶Change your route or the time of day when you go out, to accommodate these guidelines. CSANews | FALL 2020 | 47
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