“Let’s get physical!” is a meme that started making rounds in social media last year. It has gained popularity as many people relate to it. Coincidentally, I saw it again just as I was about to write this article. Unable to find who created the meme, perhaps, our New City readers and listeners can relate as well.
Since the imposition of COVID-19 restrictions last year, we know that some activities, such as physical exercise and sports, have been affected. However, big sports events were able to continue. In the US, the National Basketball Association (NBA) managed to finish the final eight games of the 2019-2020 regular season and continued to hold last year’s playoffs by placing its players inside a “bubble” (isolation zones) with games held behind closed doors at a sports complex, and players billeted at a hotel in Florida.
A few months ago, Gilas Pilipinas, the country’s national basketball team, started playing for the FIBA[1] Asia Cup qualifiers. The tournament was originally scheduled this month but was postponed to July 2022 due to the threat brought by a new surge in coronavirus cases. Just recently, gymnast Carlos Yulo, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, golfer Yuka Saso, and other athletes of the Philippine contingent to the Tokyo Olympics were isolated in the Olympic Village “bubble” for the duration of the Games.
Here in our country, open areas and covered courts around the country suddenly became unusually empty and quiet. Some of them were eventually converted to temporary COVID-19 testing or vaccination sites while others were transformed into satellite wet markets or “mobile palengke” sites. With the threat of a new and deadlier Delta variant, we don’t see them opening anytime soon. Nonetheless, the people’s inability to access these places did not hinder them from engaging in sports and exercise.
In truth, people have become even more conscious of their health because, to better survive the pandemic, one needs to have a strong immune system. Some of those who could not dedicate time for exercise before the pandemic found ways to do so this time. I, for one, have taken advantage of the days I don’t physically report to the office, using the time usually spent traveling instead on exercise through online dance classes and virtual Zoom-ba (Zumba on Zoom) sessions. On YouTube, exercise videos have sprung up with millions of views, with many people subscribing to various fitness channels. Following online fitness instructors has been the go-to of people, especially those who cannot go to the gym or fitness center but can regularly watch workout videos using any gadget (smart TV, smartphone, tablet, etc.). You might have heard some of them like the “1.0 Mile Happy Walk.” Not only did the pandemic pave the way for work from home, but it also encouraged walking and workouts at home!
Some people have chosen to be physically active outside their homes while observing safety protocols. Since last year, biking has been receiving increased interest. I’m sure there is at least one social media contact you have who posts their biking routes. In fact, the rise of bikers has propelled the government to set up bike lanes on major roads. Some use the bicycle not only as a hobby and/or form of exercise, but also as their new mode of transportation to and from the workplace. This makes more sense instead of using public transportation because of the risk of infection from other people. Thus, going by bike decreases the chance of being infected while en route to one’s destination.
Engaging in exercise does not only contribute to one’s physical health; it also benefits one’s mental health. If you haven’t made the shift to a more active lifestyle during this pandemic, maybe it’s time to reconsider. You can actually make it more fun by doing it with family or friends. Aim for a healthier you!
Gio Francisco
[1] International Basketball Federation, originally known as the Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur.
