Health Triage

          Welcome to afitnewyou!  How crazy is the world that we live in today?  The Coronavirus is at pandemic proportions that rivals plots of a science fiction story.  Here in the United States, the virus has led to increasing closures of schools and businesses.  Just yesterday, the governor of New York ordered all gyms and fitness facilities to be closed.  I happened to be at the gym earlier in the day, training a couple of clients when the news was released.  Many people's reactions were of both surprise and sadness.  Shortly after the news came out, I saw many people trying to make arrangements to how they would continue their regular workouts.  Some were going to meet at public places for outdoor classes.  The gym was going to even offer "curbside" facility access, bringing some equipment out into the parking lot for people to use in this very strange time.  Although I am very impressed with everyone's motivation to stay physically active, and using the thought that continuing to follow a healthy lifestyle will keep everyone healthy, I also am a bit concerned that people are going about things in slightly the wrong way.  One shouldn't put themselves in harm's way to meet their fitness goals.  Sometimes, its better to be prudent, and take a step back and reassess the situation  I do believe your overall health is made better by making daily decisions that include eating well and being physically active.  But there are some things like viruses, that not even the strongest can avoid.

          Please keep in mind that I am by no means saying that people should not remain physically active during this pandemic.  What I am saying is that everyone should assess their own health, and then make a thoughtful decision on how they can maintain their overall health with consideration to the information that has been presented by health agencies.  For example, recent recommendations have centered around social distancing where it has been recommended to keep several feet of personal space between individuals, and not to have gatherings of 10 or more people.  With that in mind, it is probably safer and smarter to go for a walk/jog/ run with one friend (with some space between you) rather than participating in a group class.  Another piece of information is that the virus is spread from hand to mouth and it has been advised to not touch your face.  Heeding this, while the gym was still open, my clients and I were wearing vinyl gloves during the workout.  It was certainly strange, but these are strange times.

          I personally would like to see everyone be as fit as possible.  However in my opinion, fitness comes after you have good general health.  Yes, again, I do believe being fit keeps you healthy, but you need to have a certain level of wellness first.  Think about a professional athlete who suffers an injury...they need to be medically cleared from the injury before they can start a rehab assignment.  That rehab assignment precedes competitive activities.  Or, someone who suffers a major health set-back such as a heart attack needs to undergo significant treatment before continuing with normal day-to-day physical activity.  It is in this way that I think we need to be vigilant with our overall health.   

 
        The Coronavirus is a global health crisis.  Everyone needs to treat it as such so that is stops its spread and those who are affected with it are kept to a minimum.  Please assess your own state of health, and think about the suggestions of health institutions before you embark on physical activity.  If you are able to remain physically active, I suggest you do it with as few people as possible, and would further recommend trying to be physically active at home.  Any one workout is not worth being infected with this virus.  Please be smart and safe.  Being physically active after fully assessing the situation is the prudent way to achieve a fit new you.