Exercise and being physically active is important to maintaining one’s health. The benefits of exercise can lower risks of diseases and serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Exercise also makes you feel and function better throughout the day, improve mood and energy levels, and even sleep better at night. Children need roughly 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, while as adults need 150 minutes a week of moderate activity. With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic and more time confined to living spaces, exercising and staying active are suddenly more imperative.
It is possible to continue to be physically active while practicing social distancing to protect yourself. Masks may not be required when you are exercising outdoors, but remember to have safe practices such as hand washing and sanitizing before and upon returning. The Safer at Home plan creates more opportunities to exercise around the house as well. Dancing to your favorite songs, acting out your favorite movies, exercising during commercial breaks, or even seeing if the trainers from your gym are doing videos online, are all great ways to get some daily exercise at home. Even doing regular household chores can help get you moving -- did you know that vacuuming and mopping can burn up to 170 calories/hour and sweeping can burn up to 156 calories/hour? Household items can be used to create a homemade weight set. Water bottles, milk jugs, and canned foods can all be used to create a simulated dumbbell. Creativity is highly encouraged to create a one of kind exercise regimen for you during the Safer at Home Order.
Here's a few of our team's #TuesdayTour workout videos to give you some ideas:
HIIT Workout with Chasity & Phuong
Another way to safely participate in physical activity during Safer at Home is utilizing the shared streets around the city. Shared streets are streets that have been closed off to thru vehicle traffic to allow a safe space for people to get out of their homes and get active. You can walk, bike, roll, and visit businesses along these open streets in Denver: Bryon Place from Zenobia Street to Stuart Street, E. 11th Avenue from Lincoln Street to Humboldt Street, Stuart Street from 24th Avenue to 21st Avenue, Line 5E. 16th Avenue from Lincoln Street to City Park Esplanade, Irving Street from 2nd Avenue to Gill Place, Marion Parkway from Virginia Avenue to Downing Street/Bayaud Avenue, and Bayaud Avenue from Sherman to Downing.
During this trying period, finding a stress release and a way to sleep better at night could help provide some peace of mind. Exercising can seem like a tall task at times, but don’t forget the weekly goal for adults. If that means exercising 25 minutes a day or 4 days a week, it will leave you feeling accomplished. If you want to take a day for yourself or have a long workout that leaves you exhausted, you can set the pace to achieve the weekly goal. Have fun creating your Safer at Home workouts!