By Timothy Jaikarran
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm, wreaking havoc on healthcare systems as it precipitates death and serious sickness in several countries. 
In Guyana, as at April 2, 2020, four deaths have occurred, and a total of 23 COVID-19 cases has been recorded. Many individuals are currently isolated, as they have been asked to remain at home and practise social distancing. They are also tasked with building up their immune systems; washing their hands every 20 minutes with soap and water, or treating those hands with anti-bacterial sanitizers; and desisting from touching their faces, so as not to become infected with the virus.
However, the question that can be asked is: What can I do to keep myself fit at home? The gyms are closed, and one cannot take to the streets to enjoy a peaceful jog.
Physical activities include many forms of active recreation. According to the World Health Organization, for individuals to play their part in combating COVID-19, exercise is recommended for all ages, and this can be done in the comfort of their homes.
It is recommended that infants under one year old engage in physical activities several times a day. Children under 5 years of age should spend at least 180 minutes a day in physical activities, with three or four-year-old children being moderately or vigorously active for an hour a day.
Children and adolescents aged from 5 to 17 years old should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activities, including activities that strengthen muscle and bone, at least 3 days per week.
Adults aged over 18 years should do a total of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activities throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activities throughout the week, including muscle-strengthening activities for 2 or more days per week. Older adults with poor mobility should engage in physical activities to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.
But the question still to be answered is: How can exercise benefit me during this time? Well, the answer is simple; it has many benefits, such as: it releases chemicals in your brain, like serotonin and endorphins, which are great for your mood; you have better sleep, which in turn gives you more energy; and it helps with the release of stress and anxiety. But if you are looking at the current situation, then regular exercise is great for the immune system.
You may also be asking yourself, if you are not experienced along the lines of exercise, what type of exercises can I do? The answer is simple, a range of exercises can be done, such as boxing, farmers’ walk, sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, weight lifting if you have your own weights at home; and if you have yard space, then jogging can be done among a plethora of other exercises.
A great way to boost your knowledge on exercise is the use of social media platforms. And one such platform is the Youtube, which has millions of videos with various exercises that can be watched, and can be done from the space of your living room, no matter its size.
Simply put, exercise can be done by everyone, and we can play our part in this isolation period. So, encourage a friend, family and neighbour as we play our part in combatting COVID-19 through exercise.
