Stay Physically Active During COVID-19: Info for People with HIV

Content From: HIV.govPublished: December 10, 20202 min read

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Taken at an outdoor Georgia running track, this image depicts a partially-filled red plastic water bottle, along-side a 5lb, purple colored dumbbell.
Credit: CDC/Amanda Mills

Physical activity is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. It helps you feel better, function better, and sleep better. It also reduces stress and anxiety. All of these benefits are still—and perhaps even more—important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Physical activity can also help you reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer. These are all health conditions that can affect people with HIV.

Staying active can be a challenge at a time when many of us are staying at home and sitting more than usual. However, it’s important to continue to maintain a physically active lifestyle. CDC offers ideas for how to be physically active while social distancing:

  • Catch up on household chores such as cleaning out the closet. Vacuuming is also a physical activity.
  • Get outside. Go for a walk, bike ride, or wheelchair roll in your neighborhood or in another safe location where you can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other pedestrians and cyclists. If you decide to visit a nearby park, trail, or recreational facility, first check for closures or restrictions. If open, consider how many other people might be there and choose a location where it will be possible to keep at least 6 feet of space between yourself and other people who are not from your household.
  • Make binge-watching more active by doing jumping jacks or push-ups between episodes.
  • Engage in active fun time. Any game or activity that gets everyone in your household up and moving counts!

If you’re working from home during COVID-19, try taking activity breaks throughout the day or walking around your house during conference calls. You can also find free tips online for physical activity breaks during the workday such as chair exercises, stretches, tai chi, or yoga.

Learn more:

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