Story by Ty Betts
Preventing the spread of the coronavirus has become the top priority for people around the globe. But as work shifts from laboratories, offices and classrooms to individual’s domiciles, there are other aspects of our health that are important for us to maintain.
Health and Exercise Science Instructor Kimberly Burke offers her suggestions for staying physically and mentally healthy during this transition.
“Allow for a new routine with as much flexibility as possible in it,” said Burke, who also directs CSU’s Adult Fitness Program, a community exercise program that provides clinical experiences for health and exercise science students.
The circumstances call for a re-training of what our workdays look like, so overcoming any growing pains with patience can make all the difference. And amidst all this uncertainty, Burke is sure of at least one thing: stay active.
“For in-home exercise, body weight is still a great form of exercise,” Burke said. “Squats, push-ups, things like that.”
Exercise bands and weights are also good to use and for those without any 5-10 pound weights, Burke offers a makeshift solution of an empty milk jug filled with water.
There are also plenty of free fitness videos online that can coach you through a workout from your TV or laptop.
“If you’re home with partners, spouses, kids — do some partner workouts together,” Burke suggests. Staying at home may offer opportunities for learning and growth that our schedules didn’t allow for previously.
Spending time outdoors when and where possible is still highly recommended, Burke said. Just be sure to be safe and practice social distancing.
Burke’s tips are summarized in the tip sheet, as well as a video conversation as she was social distancing on her couch with her cat, Kitty.
The Department of Health and Exercise Science is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
Kimberly Burke is the director of the Adult Fitness Program at Colorado State University, an outreach program through the Department of Health and Exercise Science. Adult Fitness offers exercise opportunities for employees of CSU as well as community members, while providing hands-on learning experiences for health promotion students. To learn more, see the Adult Fitness Program website. We look forward to serving our community after we are able to re-open our facilities.
