Working out at home has risen in popularity since outdoor activities have been limited following the outbreak of COVID-19. Home workout applications, video instructions, and the purchasing of indoor workout equipment has also grown rapidly.
According to a survey conducted by LOTTE Members Lime, a big-data research platform, around 76.1 percent of people in their 20s replied that they are exercising at home. The survey also showed that six out of ten people did home workouts at least once a week, and 89 percent of respondents said that they have bought home training supplies such as yoga mats.
Along with the increased interest in indoor exercising, the ECC Fitness Center has created a video titled “Stretching exercise Ewha recommends to overcome COVID-19.” It has been displayed on the multimedia screen at ECC Nae:il lounge and presents a variety of stretching positions that students can do indoors such as for the upper body, wrist, and backbone.
Yi Kyung-ock, a professor from the Division of Kinesiology & Sports Studies, emphasized the importance of indoor exercising.
“There is a positive correlation between exercising, physical activities and the enhancement of immunity levels,” Yi said. “If physical activities decrease, it can lead to the loss of muscle mass, a decrease in cardiovascular health, and see an increase in stress.”
She also recommended a combination of aerobic and muscle exercises, along with meditation for relaxation.
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, home workout activities benefit people by allowing them to practice social distancing, while socializing with family members, and saving money. However, there are limitations, as it is dependent on available indoor space.
To foster alternative healthy habits, Yi suggested having foot baths, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting high-quality sleep are important factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
However, as many students are studying online, and may be short on time, Yi highlighted the importance of movement in various parts of the body, which would reduce muscle pain and improve sleep.
“I suggest students who are taking online classes to constantly change their positions for stretching,” Yi said. “They can also try to study while walking or standing rather than sitting down in one place for a long time. Adjusting the monitor’s height slightly above their eye-level would also help align the cervical vertebral.”
Cho Seung-wan, a sophomore from Yonsei University, shared his thoughts on how he started doing home workouts.
“While practicing social distancing and being self-quarantined, I noticed that my stamina and posture had worsened significally,” Cho said. “Since jogging or doing jump-ropes I did prior to the COVID-19 outbreak was not an option, I decided to start indoor exercise as an alternative way of maintaining health.”
Cho mentioned that home workouts save money because they are accessible through a well-planned workout program and only require a training mattress. However, Cho’s healthy lifestyle consisted of more than just home workouts, including a healthy diet and focusing on mental health.
“Apart from regular indoor exercising routines, I believe consuming vitamins is also necessary for boosting immunity as well as eating vegetables,” Cho said. “Finding ways to decrease stress levels is also important. This can be achieved by regularly calling friends, finding a new hobby, or watching a movie at home.”