Outdoor exercise

Some frail older people having to stay indoors for 12 weeks will quickly become deficient in Vitamin D and lose fitness. A friend is having to stay indoors as he has just finished chemo, but he doesn't have a car and has to walk up a steep hill to his house. He will lose a lot of fitness in this time so may be too fearful to attempt this walk in future. There is no medical reason why he can't go on walks as social distancing will be easy in his neighbourhood, and he won't have to touch any gates.

I think there should be clearly explained, common sense approach to exercise with reasons given. I am recovering from a leg injury so have to take short walks to build up fitness. I can't walk for an hour, but am going out 3 or 4 times a day, for about 10 mins. There is no risk to myself or anyone else as social distancing is easy in my neighbourhood.

Why the contribution is important

In circumstances where there is minimal risk of transmission or injury or mishap requiring the emergency services, a flexible approach to exercise should be permitted.

Physical fitness and sunlight are crucial for enabling everyone, but especially older people, to stay healthy and active both mentally and physically. There is research which indicates a correlation between a sub-optimal level of Vitamin D and a higher death rate from Covid 19 and this might explain why those with dark skins seem to be more prone to getting seriously ill from Covid 19.

by Suggestions on May 05, 2020 at 07:58PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 10 votes

Comments

  • Posted by CatrionaLaird May 05, 2020 at 20:32

    Absolutely agree. If we can exercise and stay away from people we should be allowed to do so. Scotland is excellent in this respect.
    Also I have a 96 year old father, who was very fit but after 6 weeks indoors will probably never retain his level of fitness so his life is shortened in any case - certainly in respect of quality of life.

  • Posted by Malky063 May 06, 2020 at 11:15

    I can't see any big problem in being allowed back on the hills for hillwalking, in small groups of friends, if we all travel in our own cars?

  • Posted by RJW01 May 06, 2020 at 16:13

    I strongly agree with the idea that outdoor exercise should have restrictions lifted. There is no scientific reason why you should not go walking for as long as you want as long as social distancing is always observed. I don't, either, see why you should not meet up with one other person from another household with the same proviso.

    One suggestion - cyclists and runners do often "push" past pedestrians with less than 2 metres distance. I feel there is a case for runners and cyclists being required to cover their mouths / noses as they are exhaling while doing their exercise.

    I think it will be psychologically good to have one area of restriction lifted, and it might help people adhere better to the others.

  • Posted by harviej May 06, 2020 at 17:22

    I agree. Outdoor exercise is essential for mental and physical health. We have walked over 100 miles in our local area since lockdown.

    If I was forced to stay in my house and garden, I would go batty. In fact, life would not be worth living.

  • Posted by SEdgar May 07, 2020 at 10:18

    Many of our equines have been unable to participate in ridden exercise since the lockdown was put in place on 23rd March. Not being exercised in the manner/routine they are used to can have a lasting, detrimental impact on a horses life. Many of us trailer/box our horses to countryside and beaches to undertake that exercise. Most recently the lockdown rules were amended to allow people to travel to said places by car, so long as the exercise time exceeded the travelling time. I emailed police Scotland to confirm if this could apply to us horse owners who would trailer our horse for exercise while practising social distancing (which is relatively easy on horseback) and riding in a safe and sensible manner. I am yet to receive a response. I am waiting with baited breath for Sunday’s announcement in the hope that there will be a relaxation on ‘non essential travel’ which would allow us to return to our regular exercise regime with our equines.

  • Posted by Pinksquirl May 07, 2020 at 14:10

    Absolutely agree. Many outdoor activities can be participated in on a solo SAFE basis, not just walking, cycling and jogging.
    Metal detecting is an activity i participate in, solo, in a farmers field with Permission AND full insurance. How many cyclists and runners are insured? Its great exercise, great fun, and much improves my physical AND mental health and wellbeing.
    I am in the shielding group as is my partner, this activity would put neither of us at risk, it WOULD however give me some sunlight, some fresh air, and physical and mental exercise.
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