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How to stay physically active during coronavirus restrictions

We've developed some guidance so you can better understand the government’s latest advice on how to stay physically active while you're spending a lot of time at home.

25th March 2020

We know lots of people are keen to better understand the government’s latest advice on how to stay physically active while they're spending a lot of time at home.

The below guidance should explain what you can and can’t do during this period.

  • Taking daily exercise is one of the four reasons the government has advised that it's fine to leave your household for.
  • You can do one form of exercise outside each day, for example a walk, run, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.

A runner enjoys a run in park

  • While you’re out, always keep at least two metres or more away from anyone outside of your household. This will stop the virus spreading.
  • Minimise time outside and wash your hands when you return home.
  • There are lots of online resources that have been made available for free to help you to keep active in your home, or in your garden if you have one, and we’ve collated some of these here.
  • If you’re self-isolating (for example if you’re over 70, pregnant or have an underlying health condition) but feel well, you can also go outside with the same caveat of keeping your distance from others.
  • If you’re self-isolating because you have symptoms, or someone in your household has them, or you're defined as extremely vulnerable on medical grounds, you shouldn't leave home but that doesn't mean you should stop moving. It's really important to use movement and activity as a way of breaking up your routine, but only if you feel well enough.
  • If you’re unwell, use your energy to get better and don't try to be active. If you can get out of bed, then do so, but don't try to do too much.
  • Finally, if you’re feeling better after having had the virus, return to your normal routine very gradually and make sure to have additional rest periods during and after exercise.

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