Yes, Fitness Can Help Prevent Disease

 

Avoiding sickness has definitely been at the forefront of everyone’s mind for the past 7 months. More-so this year than ever before in our lives for the majority of us. We’re told to avoid activities and places that were a normal part of our lives just a few short months ago. We’re reminded to stay 6 feet away from everyone but those in our own household. We are endlessly washing our hands, and hand sanitizer has become a valuable commodity. And facemasks are such a thing that they’ve become a fashion statement.

But there’s a crucial disease-prevention strategy that continues to be glossed over. The importance of taking a proactive approach to wellness such as good nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, quality sleep, and self-care as a means of disease prevention cannot be overstated!  In other words, Its time we take responsibility for our state of health.

What you can do now…

Being Healthy isn’t simply a lack of disease, it is an abundance of wellness.  Who among us doesn’t want to be strong, avoid getting sick, and enjoy a quality of life that lets us remain capable and independent long into our golden years?

However, with the prevalence of obesity, lack of exercise,  meals devoid of quality nutrition, sitting for the majority of our days, as well as drug and alcohol abuse, we are courting disaster. These practices are dangerous even in the best of times, but now, facing a pandemic, we need our immune system and our health firing on all cylinders and ready to fight off any intruder that we come into contact with.

Preventing infection ( Including COVID 19) and diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers starts with lifestyle habits such as eating good, nutrient-rich food, drinking adequate water, exercising regularly, getting plenty of restorative sleep, and keeping stress levels in check.

In fact, with these healthy practices in place, you can enjoy better blood pressure control, less inflammation, pain, and stiffness in your muscles and joints, a more robust immune system, and better respiratory health.

 

Most Gym/Studio Members Want to Return

Gyms and fitness studios play an essential part when it comes to keeping us safe from disease. Established sanitization procedures have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID 19 while at the same time giving members who are ready and able to come back the opportunity to renew their commitment to health and fitness. Because let’s face it, the majority of us just aren’t self-motivated enough to create, and be consistent with, an exercise program on our own.

IHRSA, a worldwide leader in the fitness industry surveyed regular gymgoers in four countries – the US, Spain, Poland, and India – and found that the vast majority of members have returned or plan to return as soon as possible. 65 % of members in the US  and 88% of members in Spain  according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).

With the worldwide shutdowns of gyms and training studios in March and most recreational activities deemed ‘too risky’, people overall have been much less active during the pandemic. Gymgoers who relied on their facilities to maintain their health and wellbeing and are now seeing the discouraging results of missing months of fitness classes and activities.
“Now, more than ever, healthy habits, including regular exercise, are critical for overall well-being and heightened immunity,” IHRSA says.

Get Your Exercise Regardless

Further data collected from Norway and Arkansas supports the industry’s position of the safety of fitness facilities, IHRSA reported finding no greater risk of contracting the coronavirus at a gym.  In Arkansas, contact tracing was followed for 2 weeks and found just 0.3 percent of active cases had been to a gym. And for even more good news, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in May revealed that the virus “does not spread easily” from touching surfaces or objects. So enhanced cleaning,  not sharing equipment and using an antibacterial solution to wipe down surfaces after each use are key to keeping our members safe while still giving them opportunity to workout.

When COVID 19 first hit, our members seamlessly made the switch to online training, Now after months of virtual sessions, many truly appreciate the convenience of meeting with their trainer from the comfort of their own home. So while some members are anxious to return to the studio, online training will remain available for those who prefer it.

If you are wanting to return to, or begin, an exercise program but still not comfortable with the idea of a public gym 2BFit is here for you. And virtual training remains an option. If you have questions about the cleaning and sanitization protocols in place just ask.  I’m proud of the measures I take to keep my members safe.

There’s so much you can do to stay healthy!  Eat good nutritious food, exercise, laugh often, drink plenty of water, get enough rest.

Don’t leave it to chance. Do everything in your power to build your arsenal of good health.