Everyone knows that exercise promotes good health. But many don’t understand just how important it really is. For decades, health care professionals have cautioned people about the dangers of obesity. But those warnings have largely gone unheeded. Until recently, too many Americans viewed exercise as the ticket to a beach body—not the first line of defense against deadly diseases.
COVID-19 is finally changing that mistaken belief. Now, it’s incumbent upon health professionals to help Americans get in shape. Lives depend on it.
Staying active
Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, meaning that more immune cells can circulate at a higher rate. Over time, that immune response builds up—with a measurable effect on health outcomes. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that among people who engaged in aerobic exercise five or more times per week, upper respiratory tract infection decreased by 40% over 12 weeks.
Staying active also reduces body fat and inflammation, which helps to fend off infections and prevent chronic conditions such as hypertension or heart disease.
it’s about strengthening the immune system
Due to extensive media coverage of COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on the chronically ill, Americans are starting to finally realize that staying fit isn’t just about looking good—it’s about strengthening the immune system and staving off serious health problems. Fortunately, the fitness industry is trying to accommodate this mass awakening.
Many gyms moved fitness classes outdoors and online for the first time, in response to social distancing and statewide lockdowns. Organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine have actively campaigned for the health benefits of physical activity in the midst of the pandemic.
Further transforming Americans’ relationship with exercise—and making it a critical component of their health and wellness plans—will also require the help of exercise science professionals. These individuals are trained to develop individualized wellness programs that consider people’s age, health, culture, and other factors that influence their ability to maintain a healthy routine.
These professionals can also adjust their methods based on clients’ individual comfort levels. Many Americans still don’t feel safe entering brick-and-mortar gyms—and it’s unclear if they’ll ever want to return. In response, exercise science professionals can build out other innovative tools and training models, such as remote platforms and outdoor workout settings.
