How to keep your lungs healthy while at home during COVID-19

One in five people, aged 25-54, claim they 'don't have time to exercise and eat healthy food.' Yet, the American Heart Association says just 75 minutes of vigorous exercise is all you need to squeeze in each week to improve your health. With the closure of gyms as a social distancing measure and thus disrupting workout routines, the moderately active have opted out of working out at all.  Exercise is especially important because it can reduce stress, prevent weight gain, boost the immune system, and improve sleep. Public health officials say that exercise, while undoubtedly crucial under normal circumstances, is essential to your physical and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus has prompted 'stay at home' guidelines, and people are now spending more time sitting around than walking. The World Health Organization recommends taking a short break from sitting by doing 3-4 minutes of light intensity physical movement, such as walking or stretching, to help ease your muscles and improve blood circulation and muscle activity. The recommended 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week can still be achieved at home, with no special equipment and limited space.