Don't forget to exercise during this quarantine

Regular physical activity prevents and controls diseases With the quarantine imposed by the Government of Espírito Santo, one of the prohibitions in this new isolation was the practice of physical activities in gyms and collective outdoor activities. According to endocrinologist and sports medicine specialist Gisele Lorenzoni, the government's decision was correct. "At this moment, when hospital occupancy rates are nearly 100%, the measure aimed to ensure everyone's safety," warns the specialist. Regarding gyms, she emphasizes that most do not have proper air circulation and few people correctly wear masks, hence the prohibition. However, the doctor stresses that physical exercise is of utmost importance: "Regular physical activity is an ally in preventing and controlling diseases, and it also improves memory and exercises brain health, so this is not the time to stop," she explains. There are options for everyone to continue practicing some activity at this moment while protecting themselves from Covid-19. "You can exercise outdoors alone, whether walking, running, cycling, or even doing your activities – like functional exercises – without being in a group," explains the endocrinologist. "Don't forget the hand sanitizer and mask usage," she emphasizes. There is also the possibility of working out indoors, with online classes, or for those living in condominiums with gyms that allow individual bookings. According to the doctor, this isolation is very important due to the dire situation regarding the Coronavirus, but combating sedentary behavior is also necessary and fundamental. "It doesn't help to fight one disease and create others, like obesity and mental health issues," explains Gisele. The World Health Organization (WHO) itself defined new guidelines last year that address sedentary behavior associated with adverse health outcomes for all ages. The proposal is to reduce physical inactivity worldwide by 15% by 2030. Encouraging children and adolescents to engage in aerobic activities, such as cycling for at least one hour a day, and replacing sedentary time with any intensity physical activity are some of the key points.