Coronavirus: Know how regular exercising can help lower risk of severe COVID

Regular exercising has many proven health benefits, and this is the reason it is recommended for everyone to include it in their daily routine. From cutting down the risk of chronic diseases to strengthening bones, this one daily habit can bring in a world of difference. Now scientists have found another reason why staying physically active is a must for everyone at present.

Wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and getting vaccinated have always been considered essential to lower the risk of COVID-19. Another addition to the list can be regular exercising. A research study shows that people who exercise regularly are less likely to test positive for the contagious coronavirus in the first place and even if they do, the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes are minimal.

A recent study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, disclosed severe symptoms after being infected with coronavirus were common among those who were inactive or were not indulging in any physical activity as they were required to do.

The researchers drew this conclusion after analyzing data from 48,440 adults who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 1, 2020, and October 21, 2020. They looked into the details of the patient's previous physical activity level and the risk of hospitalization, severe infection and even loss of life after getting infected with the contagious virus.

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The findings of the study revealed that those who developed COVID-19 or were diagnosed with severe infection were consistently inactive and did 10 minutes or less of physical activity a week. At the end of the study, it was revealed that these people were 1.73 times at the risk of being admitted to the ICU and 2.49 times at the risk of losing their lives due to coronavirus related complications. The risk was lower in people who were physically active for 150 minutes or more a week .

Not only this, people who were consistently inactive were 1.2 times at greater risk of being hospitalized, 1.1 times at greater risk of ICU admission, and 1.32 times at greater risk of death as compared to those who exercised for 11 and 149 minutes a week.

Exercising has always been linked with better health, it is not surprising that it can help to lower the risk of coronavirus. But it is still now clear how staying physically active impacts the chances of getting infected at such a greater length. There are many theories that can help to establish the link. One is that exercising can help lower the Body mass index (BMI). Lower BMI can reduce the risk of overweight and obesity, the factors that can contribute to developing severe COVID in a person.

Secondly, it can also improve lung health, an organ directly affected by the contagious COVID-19. The virus affects the delicate cells of the lungs first and exercising helps to improve the lung capacity and strengthen the lung muscles. The initial symptoms of coronavirus are mostly related to the lungs and in the worst case, it can even lead to breathlessness and pneumonia.

Lastly, exercising can help to boost the immune health, and can reduce the chances of getting contracted with coronavirus. All these factors help to understand why exercising regularly is critical at the present time.

The researchers concluded that consistent physical activity is the only way to stay healthy and reduce the risk of getting infected with the coronavirus. 150 minutes of moderate weekly exercise is recommended by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Heart Association. It is the basic requirement to stay healthy and physically fit. You can choose to perform any exercise of your liking- brisk walk, jogging, riding a bike, playing tennis or yoga. The basic idea is to move your body as much as you can.

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