How regular exercise will help protect against Covid-19 and other viruses

Wave Leisure Trust is promoting regular physical activity to help reduce the impact of Covid-19 and fight off winter colds. 

This comes after a recent study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that regular physical activity may help to protect people who get Covid-19 from becoming seriously ill. 

Over a third of people in the UK do not get enough weekly exercise, putting them at an increased risk of multiple health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes. Data has consistently demonstrated that being physically active is beneficial in preventing many diseases and as the weather gets colder, immune systems weaken and struggle to fight off harmful bacteria. 

Many viruses thrive in cold conditions and an increase in physical activity can help flush bacteria out of lungs and airways, reducing the chance of getting a cold, flu, or other respiratory illness. With research suggesting that Covid-19 is transmitted more easily in colder temperatures, it is important to keep active to reduce chances of transmission. 

Recent research by Harvard states that individuals who are regularly inactive and catch Covid-19 have a significantly higher risk of hospitalisation and ICU admission than those who regularly participate in physical activity. 

Wave Leisure Trust works closely with GPs to develop successful exercise referral schemes, to help those taking the first steps to becoming more physically active. A total of 30% of people who attend this scheme have gone on to become a Wave member and continue to be regularly supported by the team on site. 

Liz Allsobrook, Head of Community and Health Improvement at Wave Leisure Trust, said: “At Wave Leisure we continue to promote active and healthy lifestyles, whether that be one-to-one support or group classes and activities. Consistent physical activity will help to protect individuals from a number of illnesses, and we encourage everyone to make that first step in being more active.”

Hannah Maybury, Health Improvement Practitioner at Wave Leisure Trust, said: “By moving your body every day, you are strengthening your muscles which improves stability, balance and coordination. This will help us keep strong in our functioning everyday lives, which also provides the body with multiple health benefits.”

Wave Leisure Trust has fifteen sites across East Sussex. Currently, it is promoting a joint and couple’s membership which promotes exercising with a friend, partner or family member at a reduced cost.  

For more information about the joint membership at Wave Leisure Trust, please visit www.waveleisure.co.uk or email info@waveleisure.co.uk.