Covid-19 pandemic and exercise regimes recommended for different categories of people by WHO!

 Covid-19 pandemic is still on and it is known that overweight and obesity is associated with risk of enhanced severity of the infection necessitating hospitalization. WHO has issued guidelines on exercise for adults between 18-64 years, children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and those with chronic illnesses. 

Healthy adults and exercise during Covid-19 pandemic

WHO has stated that 150-300 minutes of moderate and 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity should be done weekly by people in the age group of 18-64 years. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a news release said:

"Being physically active is critical for health and well-being — it can help add years to life and life to years," 

Remain active in pandemic (Source: Facebook WHO)

Also, read Walking and its benefits

He added:

"Every move counts, especially now as we manage the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. We must all move every day — safely and creatively."

WHO states: Be active, some exercise is better than none, start small and step up slowly. Increase intensity and speed and duration. It is good for heart, body, and mind and can be done at home or gym if safe. Same duration applies to adults over 65 years of age. Yian Gu, an assistant professor of neurological sciences in the departments of neurology at epidemiology at Columbia University in New York City states:

"While large size indoor gathering is discouraged at this moment, outdoor activities ... can still be good options,"

"There are also many options for family indoor activities, such as aerobic exercises (and) ping-pong."

Do not overdo and ask your doctor in case of doubt. 

Children and exercise

Kids below 17 need moderate to vigorous activity daily of at least 60 minutes. It should be aerobic like biking or jogging to strengthen bones and muscles. It should be made into a fun or play activity. Craig A. Williams, a professor of pediatric physiology and health and director of the Children's Health & Exercise Research Centre at the University of Exeter in England states:

"Generally children/adolescents always report they like to do physical activity to: 1) be with their friends 2) have fun 3) to learn something new,"

Do not make it competitive. 

Pregnant ladies and exercise

Exercise in pregnancy is good for mother and baby. It helps prevent gestational diabetes, speedens delivery, and decreases postpartum depression. They need 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. But they should have ample water and should be cautious to not overdo it. 

Chronic conditions, disability, and exercise

Regina Davis, the associate executive director of public health policy and practice for the American Public Health Association states:

"Some people with chronic conditions have challenges performing some of the recommended types and amounts of physical activity and may avoid physical activity all together because of concerns about risks," 

"The type of physical activity one may be able to do may be different, but there are still benefits."

It improves life span and quality and decreases disease progression. The duration of exercise is similar to that in healthy adults. Disabled adults also can do same duration of activities.