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Not sure if you should exercise outdoors, go for a run, or go to a park in the days of covid-19? Here are the answers.
There is a great deal of conflicting information about measures to take to prevent covid-19 from exercising outdoors. This is, in part, because each country and even each state or municipality usually makes its own determinations. To solve doubts, we went to an expert, the infectologist Alejandro Macías, Special Commissioner for Influenza Care in Mexico in 2009.
We know that you are dying to resume training and to help you, we asked the most common questions about this topic to Dr. Macías, who is a Master of Science in Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases from the University of London.
Covid-19: Can I Exercise Outdoors?
Is it a good idea to go running during quarantine?
“Outdoor activities, when done individually, are of very little risk to others since the drops of secretions that could be expelled through deep breathing are quickly dispersed. It is good to go out to exercise: bicycle, run or walk if the individual keeps working on his own, not in a group. When you cross paths with other people you have to try to keep a certain distance although, I insist, it is low risk, “explains Dr. Macías
Should I wear a face mask when running?
“It is controversial. I think that generally speaking, they should carry a mouthpiece in their bag when they stop running or approach areas where they are going to have interaction with other people. The time they are running the risk is very low, “he says.
If you live in Mexico City, where some parks such as the Chapultepec Forest or the Tlalpan Forest have already been opened for physical activity, it is important that you follow the instructions of the staff and if you are asked to use the mouth mask at all times, then do it.
Can I go to a gym?
Regardless of what the authorities say about the time when these establishments can open their doors again, Dr. Macías states the following:
“I would not go to a gym since it is a closed place where there is a lot of danger since secretions float in the air. I would say that those who go to a gym make sure that the place is well ventilated. ”
If you do not want to expose yourself by attending a gym, you can opt for a public park where, according to the expert, you should keep as far away from people as possible.
Does exercising help me prevent infections?
“Physical activity is not going to prevent us from getting sick from infections, but it is going to prevent us from getting seriously ill. This particular disease, covid-19, or influenza, for example, tend to treat those in better physical condition better. ”
Some of the conditions that put subjects at greater risk of developing coronavirus complications, such as diabetes, can be prevented or controlled with physical activity.
“Exercise is of extraordinary importance. It is something we should all do. Not only does it improve heart and lung functions, but it improves joint mobility and does better cell cleaning. The advantage that exercise offers in terms of weight control is usually weighted, but I would say that this is the least advantage. Physical activity helps us much more for everything else. ”
Should mass sporting events like marathons be resumed before we have a covid-19 immunization?
“Mass sports such as walks or marathons would be dangerous since the density of people would cause them to be very close to each other and so yes, at least theoretically, it is much more possible that the respiratory secretions of some reached the others and there is a risk older to get infected. I would not do it before we have a vaccine or with greater immunity from the population group, which is known as herd immunity, ”says the specialist.
By Víctor Martínez.
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