We all need to stay active while we shelter-at-home during COVID-19. This is very important for both physical and mental health wellness. Staying active can help alleviate stress, lower blood pressure, and aid in the improvement of mood and a better night’s sleep. In light of the changes COVID-19 has placed on society, this may have become more difficult for some people (especially those of us who have had our gym memberships put on hold). It may make staying active a little more challenging, but not impossible. You just need to be creative. With the weather improving each day and with so many different exercise classes offered online, it is easy to find an activity that is a good fit for you.
Staying active can be done through physical exercise such as walking, biking, or yoga, or through daily household activities like cleaning, gardening, or just having a fun time dancing. It doesn’t need to be strenuous exercise to be beneficial — any activity is a step in the right direction. The important thing is to stay moving.
Stretching is also very important if you have been sitting for a period of time. Make sure to take short breaks often and move around for 3 to 5 minutes at a time. Get up, walk around, and stretch to help with blood circulation and stiff muscles. This can be something simple like letting your dog outside or starting a load of laundry, or something more aerobic like completing 25 jumping jacks.
If you are physically able, try to get outside every day and take time to enjoy the outdoors, whether it is sitting outside on your deck, gardening, or going for a walk or bike ride. Spending at least 20 minutes a day outside in nature reaps many benefits for both physical and mental wellness. Try to set aside time each day to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. You will be glad you did.
A growing body of research is showing the brain health benefits of physical activity as well. Recent research from the Okonkwo lab shows exercise is linked to enhanced brain function in adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Ozioma Okonkwo, PhD, discussed a range of exercise-brain health research in the "Dementia Matters" podcast episode "Impacts of Exercise on Brain Health."
Below is a list of websites that will help you stay active. Keep your body moving!
Online Exercise Videos
Please consult your personal physician before starting any physical activity
- Quick Fit With Cassy is a new digital series from PBS Wisconsin. Led by Cassy Vieth, a professional fitness trainer and instructor from Spring Green, Wisconsin, Quick Fit focuses on gentle, zero-impact stretching and strengthening performed in short workouts of 10 minutes or less. All you need is a sturdy chair and a shared belief that life is movement.
- Get Movin’ is a free exercise series sponsored by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and African Americans Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease in Mid-Life. Classes are led by personal trainer Venus Washington, owner of Venus Inspires. You can join classes from home through Facebook or YouTube. Classes are held live at their designated times, or you can watch archived episodes.
- Yoga For Seniors with Adriene is a slow and gentle yoga class.
- There are many choices on YouTube when you search Exercises for Seniors.
- Go4Life is an exercise program sponsored by the National Institute on Aging. It offers a variety of resources and videos designed to help you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life.
Story by Erin Lacey
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