With the normalization that started after the extraordinary days during the Covid-19 pandemic, new behaviors need to be developed in all areas of life. Drawing attention to what should be done while doing sports, experts point out that sports that need to be fought, especially football and basketball, are still risky in terms of the virus and recommend that activities that can be distanced should be preferred. Experts warn that people who have been infected with Covid-19 and have had a severe illness should consult a doctor before doing sports, as the lungs, heart muscle and skeletal muscles may be affected.
Dr. Mehmet Soyarslan, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist at Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital, made an evaluation of what should be done in the gyms opened with normalization and sports activities that can be done outdoors.
Which sport and how to start?
Stating that with the normalization process that started on June 1, everyone dreams of returning to their daily lives before the pandemic, Dr. Mehmet Soyarslan said, "People want to walk on the beaches again, ride bicycles, sweat in gyms and start the astroturf football matches played among friends again. Although there are question marks in mind, it is possible to return to sports by following some basic rules."
You can start with cardio-weighted sports
Noting that after this long break from sports, it is important which sport to start and how to start, Dr. Mehmet Soyarslan made the following recommendations:
- First of all, start with cardio-intensive sports such as walking, running, swimming and cycling. Do not do challenging programs before you reach the desired form.
- Since there may be frequent close contact with other athletes during competitive sports such as football and basketball, these sports are dangerous in terms of virus transmission during this period. Avoid close contact sports until safer times are available.
- Choose sports where you can keep a sufficient distance from your opponent, such as tennis and table tennis.
- Always do stretching exercises before and after you start and finish sports.
People with Covid-19 should consult a doctor
- In people who have been infected with Covid-19 and have had a severe illness, be sure to consult your doctor before doing sports, as the lungs, heart muscle and skeletal muscles may be affected.
- You can also do sports at home with the "HisApp" application prepared by the Sports for All Federation of Turkey, which you can download for free to your mobile phone.
Those who do sports indoors pay attention to these recommendations!
Dr. Mehmet Soyarslan gave the following advice to people who plan to do sports indoors about the measures to be taken to protect against Covid-19:
- Before going to the gym, be sure to make an appointment and inform the time you will go. This will prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of being turned away from the gym.
- If possible, take your personal towel and cleaning equipment with you. If it is not possible, talk to the gym management in advance to make sure that personal cleaning materials such as towels are washed under appropriate conditions.
Mask and 1 meter distance rule
- Remember that the social distance of 1 meter in daily life with the new norms should be at least 2 meters in gyms due to sweating and evaporation.
- Avoid putting your hands on your face during sports as most of the equipment used in the gym requires contact with your hands. If possible, wear a mask during sports.
- Use hand sanitizer when switching between sports equipment. Wash your hands after using hand sanitizer several times.
- Avoid movements that require your face to touch the ground, especially on the mat.
Always wear a mask even outdoors
Dr. Mehmet Soyarslan drew attention to the measures that can be taken in open spaces as follows:
- Let's not forget that the social distance, which is 1 meter with a mask while walking, is 2 meters without a mask while running, and 1.5 meters on beaches and swimming areas.
- Let's also follow the 2 meter social distance rule in sports that can be done at high speeds, such as cycling.
- Avoid sports with a high risk of contact with opponents and teammates, such as soccer, basketball and volleyball.