Exercise and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

These included weight loss, strength building, enjoyment, appearance goals, social engagement, sports training, and healthcare provider recommendations.People who had most significantly reduced their physical activity during the pandemic struggled most with their mental health.Those who exercised reported fewer mental health symptoms.The authors have published an evidence-based toolkit that can help a person get moving and stay moving during the pandemic.In addition, Dr. Heisz says that there’s a need for greater support of those seeking to maintain their mental and physical health during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic:“Our results point to the need for additional psychological supports to help people maintain their physical activity levels during stressful times in order to minimize the burden of the pandemic and prevent the development of a mental health crisis.”For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.Slowing the spread of the coronavirus by staying at home does not have to mean giving up on exercise.