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EXERCISE A GREAT BOOSTER - COACH

28/01/2021 23:47:00 BY SANELE JELE

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MBABANE - You know exercise is good for your health, but you might be wondering—can exercise help ward off respiratory illnesses?

And should you continue exercising during a global pandemic, or should you give your immune system a rest?

“As it turns out, continued physical activity can actually help boost your immune system - but just don’t overdo it,” says Zithande Athletics Club Coach Nsizwa Thwala.

He explained that people can do home training during this lockdown.

He said they can do exercises like in and out abs, mountain climbers, the side plank and single core induction to mention a few.

He put emphasis on that a person is 100 per cent owner of their body.

The Zithande Athletics Club coach is a firm believer in home training and eating healthy.

How do you improve fitness and health during the lockdown?

“Lockdown comes with lots of stresses which lead to mental health issues. Luckily, exercising is a ‘vaccine’ to a number of health illnesses. During lockdown, I set my fitness goals higher.

“This time around I have researched about COVID-19 and everything points to having a strong immune system can make a difference between life and death. 30 to 60 minutes of near daily brisk walking (at least 5km per hour, or a 17-minute walk) can improve your body’s defence against germs. Exercise improves the surveillance activity of the immune system.”

Do you know someone who has recovered from COVID-19 and how do you support them mentally and otherwise?

“Well there are people that I know who have recovered 100 per cent. They are alive and kicking and I am glad I was able to help them by giving them home training tips and what to eat when infected with the virus. People must remember that there are still other illnesses out there, which weakens your immune system and then COVID-19 takes advantage.”

How has the invasion of COVID-19 affected your life?

“COVID-19 has affected our training session big time, but we do understand that we are in a war and we have to adhere to the government and WHO regulations. We can encourage our members and the nation at large to do home training.

“They can do in and out abs, mountain climbers, the side plank and single core induction at home These exercises can be done for a duration of 45 minutes to an hour on a daily basis.”

What message of hope can you share with people infected with COVID-19?

“COVID-19 has affected the whole world, but we shouldn’t give up. People must live positively and let us not discriminate against those infected. Let’s support people who have the virus, even if you cannot visit them, at least send them a text message or call them to show support. Through the support, a person can feel better knowing that he is not alone in the battle against COVID-19.”