During the last few weeks and continuing we are all having to get used to a new normal. We are being restricted in what we can and what we can’t do an rightly so – It is only by us all working together, social distancing etc… that we will beat this flipping virus.

It does come at a cost and it may affect peoples physical and mental wellbeing. There are pressures on an individual which are completely different to what we’ve seen before – furloughing, job uncertainty, worry for small businesses and the self employed.

This is why it is so important to exercise and there are a number of proven benefits to exercise which don’t just impact the physical but impact the mental. You don’t have to do much and it doesn’t matter how old or young you are, you can still exercise.

Now, why have I put in a picture of a garden albeit a very nice and big garden. Gardening is exercise and a friend of mine, Vicky from the Body Reset Clinic in Hartley Whitney has done a video on gardening and stated that it will help strengthen your core, glutes, legs and shoulders. It also has the benefit of getting you out there and getting some fresh air which is also good for the soul.

Would you believe housework is also a form of exercise. I am probably showing my age here but Queen’s video – I want to break free has Freddie Mercury doing the housework. Hoovering, dusting, moving furniture around is a form of exercise.

Now many of you are runners, cyclists, swimmers, rugby players etc… and at this time it is really important to make sure that you keep up your exercise. You can go out and run and cycle, so plan your exercise appropriately and be realistic in your aims but don’t give up. With some sports it is going to be very difficult to maintain the sports specific conditioning but there are still things that you can do to reduce the impact when you get back to your sports. There is a lot of help and advice from clubs and we can help so please do get in touch with the clinic if you want help and advice.

If you’ve not really exercised before and want to use this time productively then there are a number of people providing online exercises assistance – Joe Wickes is probably the most well know. There are a number of PTs that are providing group and online help and assistance to people – Jo Nightingale fitness a local person and I know there are others. What I would say to people is don’t try to do too much too quickly as that could lead to injury. Start slow and build. If you are wanting to run then do the Couch to 5k and I’m sure the local Run Together groups are continuing to help people online. If you are wanting to get out on your bike, make sure the bike is safe and look online for some hints and tips about setting up your bike and get out there, see a bit of the countryside and enjoy. You don’t need to go to the gym and can do a lot of exercise at home.

What is so important at this time is to Stay Safe, keep your distance but do exercise.