Avoiding The COVID+19
“Freshman 15” or “COVID-19”?
“Freshman 15”? More like the “COVID-19.” This year, staying on track with goals been a challenge for many people around the world. COVID-19 has crushed many plans and expectations, especially when it comes to physical fitness and health. It has been a challenge for people to stick with their normal workout schedules and find the motivation to stay active due to the closing of all gyms during this year’s quarantine.
With gyms closing down in early spring, people had to find creative ways to keep in shape. Hannah Pals, a junior at Grand View University, had to find a way to stay in shape for her upcoming softball season.
“During quarantine, I stayed active by taking my dog on a run every other day,” Pals said. “I also worked out at my dad’s business. He owns a business where I was able to still do my softball workouts as well as lift weights.”
For others, staying active was a bit more challenging, especially while staying six feet apart. Brady Brandsfield, a senior football player at GV, is used to working out with his team while having the equipment in the Grand View strength and conditioning room ready for his use.
“The most challenging part about staying active during quarantine was finding the equipment that I needed in order to complete my workouts,” Brandsfield said. “It was also tough to stay on a schedule like I regularly would when I am working out with my team for football.”
Cole Hopkins, a dietitian at Broadlawns Medical Center, said that diet and exercise are very important, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19.
“At-home workouts and establishing a manageable meal plan are a couple of examples of how to creatively maintain your healthy body composition,” Hopkins said. “In terms of diet during quarantine, it is more important than ever to establish a routine. For example, eating at the same time, having familiar meals, and enjoying those meals are great ways to keep your diet in check when you may be getting less exercise than normal.”
It is a common misconception cutting back on food intake helps maintain weight or even lose a few pounds. Hopkins explained why this is not always the case.
“There is not a magic number for the amount of meals that a college student should or should not eat during the course of the day, as everyone’s schedule, appetite, preferences and metabolism are all unique,” Hopkins said. “Although it has typically been recommended by the USDA to eat three balanced meals per day, I recommend assessing your appetite and preferences and going from there.”
Even though one can have a set diet, food preferences, and workout routine, it is still possible to struggle with how long one must stay active to see results.
“The consensus among the medical community is 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week,” Hopkins said. “In terms of frequency, again it comes down to the availability in your personal schedule. It does not necessarily matter when you work out, as long as you are getting your minutes in each week. I would recommend spreading exercises out among multiple days instead of trying to do it all at once. This ensures that you are getting your body the rest it needs in order to limit wear and tear.”
No matter how much some may have struggled during their time in quarantine or throughout the difficult battle with the risks of COVID-19, it is important to remember that not everyone’s body works the same. Now is the best time to figure out what works for you and your body to stay healthy.
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