Page 23 - FDCC Pandemic Book

Living in a Pandemic: A Collection of Stories on Coping, Resilience & Hope
Research conducted by Zhen Yan, a professor of cardiovascular medicine, has showed that exercise boosts the production of an antioxidant extracellular superoxide dismutase (“EcSOD”).2 The antioxidant protects against acute lung disease and ARDS, which is a known complication of COVID-19 patients. Adding exercise to your routine, at least 30 minutes a day, will reap the benefits. In addition to coronavirus protection, it is proven that regular physical activity boosts the immune system, and staying healthy during a pandemic is crucial. While it is not magical medicine, exercise has an overall benefit on health and should be added to one’s daily routine.
ATHLETES TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHILE EXERCISING
Professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike are wearing face coverings when performing physical activities. The CDC has prepared a list of precautions to reduce risk while playing sports, including, wearing a mask at all times, disinfecting gear before and after use, choosing outdoor settings, and avoiding close contact with other people. At the start of the pandemic, athletes were concerned that wearing face coverings while running or performing physical activity would decrease oxygen levels and could be unsafe.
Dr. Matt Auxman, an orthopedic sports medicine doctor for Spectrum Health, has advised that there is no proof that masks decrease oxygen levels or affect performance.3 Athletes who are concerned about safety should speak with their primary care physician to discuss the risks and benefits of wearing a mask while performing physical activity. However, athletes who are not comfortable wearing a mask should consider alternative sports such as golf, tennis, and swimming as masks are not required.
THE DOWNFALL OF BOX GYMS AND THE RISE OF BOUTIQUES
Box gyms are those that offer a gym area with free weights and cardio equipment along with group fitness classes; gyms such as 24 Hour Fitness, Equinox, YMCA, and local university gyms are included in the category. From a health perspective, during a pandemic, a gym is one of the worst places to exercise. Hot and sweaty environments, typically found in a gym, are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. Some gyms have pivoted to outdoor classes and virtual platforms to make ends meet, but for those gyms who did not have that option, shutdowns were inevitable.
Boutique gyms, such as Orangetheory, are typically viewed as small gyms that are able to offer a differentiated experience than those of a traditional box gym.
1 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/07/well/move/pandemic-exercise-habits-study.html
2 https://www.businessinsider.com/exercise-may-help-prevent-a-deadly-coronavirus-complication-2020-4
3 https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/09/is-it-safe-for-athletes-to-wear-masks-while-exercising.html
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