The importance of staying fit and healthy during the Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa

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Many businesses, including gyms, are closed during the 21-day lockdown which ends on 16 April. This has left many worried about the abrupt end of their fitness journeys.

Steve Hayman, a yoga instructor, says that even though people may not have access to gyms, exercising at home can be beneficial. There is a difference in how we feel when we are stagnant versus when we are physically active, which highlights the importance of staying active, even during the lockdown period. Maintaining optimum health at home is possible with the right physical exercise and motivation.

Exercise is a way to boost one’s immune system, as well as the body and mind. Yoga can be an avenue for physical and mental health, as the exercises challenge you to build body strength and help you practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is described as the state of being consciously aware of your current experience. A great way to practice mindfulness and physical exercise simultaneously is to do yoga.

“Yoga makes you fit for life,” says yoga instructor Hayman. Yoga also helps you build and maintain flexibility, strength and balance. Yoga is not an easy physical activity to engage in, however, continuous practice will help you improve. Steve Hayman says that due to the fact that nobody is allowed to leave their homes (except to buy essentials), he has begun teaching online yoga classes, which is a great example of how you can use the internet to stay fit during this period.

What happens to athletes who require the gym to advance in their sport, such as bodybuilders? Many say that they are unable to keep up with their training as they don’t have home gyms with the necessary equipment. Health and fitness related businesses which sell supplements are also under financial constraint due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.