American Heart Association Reports: Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Exercise Caution When Exercising Outdoors
With many sheltering in place orders and social distancing being stressed across the country, the idea of working out outdoors in the open air is a refreshing option, and one that health experts say can be good for your mental and physical health — if you take some simple precautions.
AHA News: Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Exercise Caution When Exercising Outdoors
FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 (American Heart Association News) -- Even as government officials warn us to "stay home, stay safe" during the coronavirus pandemic, people are flocking to parks, trails and sidewalks to walk and bike away their cabin fever.
That might seem like a total contradiction. But according to health experts, it can be a healthy choice – as long as you exercise caution while exercising outdoors.
"Since most people don't have a treadmill, outdoor exercise makes it a heck of a lot easier to meet the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, like walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous activity, like running," said Dr. Jeffrey Harris, professor and chair of the University of Washington's department of health services in the School of Public Health.