Let's turn social isolation into healthy life
Prof. Dr. Ali Emre Erol, Director of School of Physical Education and Sports, Cyprus International University (CIU) reminded that we are not accustomed to the social isolation as a society in the due to coronavirus, and we are facing a sedentary lifestyle, and along with the prolonged process, lack of physical activity and inactivity can be the determining factor in the emergence of some diseases.
Regular physical activities will prevent the formation of cardiovascular diseases, and contribute to the regular functioning of the metabolism, the prevention of obesity and the reduction of the problems related to the skeletal muscular system.
The new conditions caused by coronavirus turned most people into psychologically depressed, demotivated individuals with high anxiety, “Physical activity is also important in terms of preventing such unwanted psychological conditions".
Drawing attention to the fact that many activities can be carried out at home and at the beginners’ level, Erol reminded that to carry out these activities, there should be no medical conditions that would prevent the individuals from doing the exercises.
Prof. Dr. Erol also gave a simple program for the activities that can be carried out in the home environment and said that exercise videos can be accessed if the names of the movements in the program are searched on the Internet.
1. Action Sit-ups 3 x 10 reps
2. Action Push-ups 3 x 10 reps
3. Action Squat 3 x 10 reps
4. Action Lunges 3 x 10 reps
5. Action Planks 3 x 20 seconds
Stating that especially hypertensive people should avoid isometric exercises such as the plank, squat, push-up in their exercises, Erol highlighted that this type of exercise may create risky situations because it will involuntarily pause breathing and increase blood pressure.
Erol also emphasized the importance of people with heart disease and hypertension to avoid isometric exercises, "people need to ensure that the level of breath and pulse is close to the initial level of exercise between each of the 3 sets of exercises".