Shielding and Exercise

[Elspe]

I live with hubby and son. Hubby is immune-impaired. I have asthma (mostly mild) as well as other issues - diabetes, a liver problem, etc. Son goes out to work. So far, we are all - if not well, as well as we were before all this started.

We really really need to get exercise - both of us, if only to keep some sanity. But our local council in its wisdom has closed ALL the public toilets. All the pubs, coffee shops and restaurants are already closed. So the only exercise I can do is go for very short walks and home again to the loo. We don't cycle, or drive. the length of a walk without access to toilets is very short, so I can only go half this far.

If I have to go without getting out for another 12-18 weeks - well, it will not be pretty.

[Poobah]

It's the government who has advised closure of any establishment where people congregate as we weren't able to practice strict social distancing. When people proved they were flouting the social distancing rules in parks it was necessary to close them. Unfortunately it's human behaviour that meant everywhere is now shut.

Sounds like both you and your husband should be sheilding at home (have you both received notification from NHS?) This means your son will have to live isolated from you within the home, ensuring no sharing of towels, plates, cutlery etc. As he could be bringing the virus into the home.

All details here: gov.uk/government/publicati...

[GFloss]

I'd say keep at those small outdoor walks (while we're still allowed them!), because they'll still help/contribute something to your health and sanity. But don't think that has to be your only exercise. Pop on some music/a podcast and walk around the house for a set period of the time, stroll around the garden if you're lucky enough to have one, follow any of the many online exercise classes (so many free options for all abilities; many of which are equipment-free and designed especially for apartments/small spaces), set yourself reminders to get up and move around, dance if you like to, do your housework, challenge yourself to walk around or do a brief set of exercises like squats or lunges while the kettle is boiling, walk up and down stairs (or a single step!) etc. etc. It's all about weaving in extra movement/activity into your daily life. Of course, don't try anything that is beyond your current fitness level as you don't want any injuries right now!