Dr. Tim Lightfoot discusses the importance of staying active during shutdown

Key notes from Dr. Tim Lightfoot interview

• We wound up coming back in from Portugal before they shut international travel down. Still, it was certainly bizarre to see it all play out and watch Covid 19 go from not even being a blip on the radar to becoming a much bigger story.
   
• Everything being in a shutdown right now is a tragedy for those in the physical fitness industry, but we hope soon that relief efforts can help keep people above water. There is no proof that you can catch the virus through sweat, but possibly through other fluids, so we'll have to wait and see on figuring out a timeframe. Hopefully, soon we'll be able to get gyms to open back up again.
   
• All the content we're putting out is how to stay active during this time. You can still go and be active outside, and we encourage that. We want you to continue practicing social distancing, but don't be afraid of being active. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it may be best to avoid physical activity, but if you are asymptomatic, by all means, don't be afraid. It is believed that staying active can help your immune system thwart off the virus so that anything can help.
   
• Moderate workouts are what is being encouraged now, though. Keeping it moderate can be very helpful, but going too hard can cause your immune system to weaken in a short period of time and cause your immune system to be slightly exposed for a few hours, and that can be worrisome if you don't take precautions. You don't need to depress your immune system, so take it easy.
   
• People need to remember that since we all probably have cabin fever at this point, by getting outside. It can help alleviate depression, boost your immune system, and help keep you mentally strong as we move forward. Exercise is still possible in the midst of the shutdown.

For more from Dr. Lightfoot and the Huffines Institute for Sports Performance, check out their website HERE.