In view of the current COVID-19 situation and measures implemented by the governments, we have asked some of the experts to share some tips with our running and sports community on how to stay physically, mentally and/or nutritionally healthy during this period.
1. How do we stay active or physically healthy during this period, considering that we are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible?
At this time, we are and should be socially responsible in reducing the curve of the COVID-19 rise by staying home, not visiting anyone outside of our household BUT keep healthy by continuing to run ALONE in the parks (as Prime Minister Lee has suggested) or the quiet roads.
I always do my runs early in the morning at dawn to avoid: cars, other runners and walkers, those walking their dogs and the sun (ok that last part on the sun is for vanity reasons. I can’t get any more sunspots on my face!)
What is important, coming from a physio standpoint, is that we do our part by keeping our immune system up by doing regular 45 minutes of exercise (minimum) 4-5 times a week (for me, it’s daily).
We won’t get COVID-19 by running past people and we will reduce chances by running alone and during quieter hours of the day. As a lone runner, we have complied with both CDC and Singapore social distancing measures. YAY!
ONE caveat when we run longer: avoid the water fountains and bring your own water if need be. COVID-19 is spread through spit and water droplets.
2. How do we stay calm during this stressful period?
We need to change and embrace a new normal. COVID-19 isn’t going away in a snap whether we said we’d restrict movement for a month or so. It will be around for quite some time and we just need to go with the flow and support a #SGUnited.
The common good for the people and health is what I go with foremost to protect my family and this country. What we have is control and each one of us plays a huge part in that control over COVID-19. We do our part by making proper choices to stay healthy yet keeping social distancing.
And really? Remember why we run: we take control over our bodies abilities and we gain brain hormones called endorphins to reduce stress.
3. Are there any simple nutrition plans, tips or recipes that we can follow?
Eat in moderation and avoid going out as much as possible as there are asymptomatic individuals. Cook your own awesome dishes that you can find online (really, Jenny is not a chef nor pretends to be one).
For me? I love greens and meat and red wine 😀 Again, everything in moderation. AND know we have enough here in Singapore so no need to hoard.
4. Are there any recommendations on resources (youtube channel/video, social media pages, blogs, books, podcasts etc) to refer to?
Honestly, I have just closed the clinic and now have time to sit and read a bit. So no, currently I’m just going on Netflix and hanging out with my kids. I love my Spotify playlist of music (it’s where I get to feel happiest with running and music!)
ABOUT JENNY
Jenny Huang, the founder of HelloPhysio is an experienced physiotherapist who graduated with magna cum laude in 1997 with her Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch (hook ‘em horns). She loves learning and teaching and strives to provide the highest standard of patient care and customer service.
Jenny is a mom to two awesome teenage kids, runs a ton and loves racing. She has placed first in some notable races such as 2013 Sundown 100km ultramarathon, 2014 Great Eastern half-marathon, 2015 The North Face 50km ultra duo, 2016 Star Wars race winning the Death Star trophy (you can rub the trophy for good luck at HelloPhysio). She is an ambassador of New Balance, Garmin, Jabra, Gatorade, Compressport and EloWater.
