Quarantine Weight Gain is Real: What Should You Do About It?

Published on: 25 March 2021 Last Updated on: 27 December 2024

There’s no denying that quarantine weight gain is real. A survey found that close to 36% of the 19,903 people surveyed in over 140 countries shared that they have gained weight while in lockdown. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were committed to doing home workouts.

However, since most are not familiar with the training that would best suit them, many found it difficult to stick to a regimen. A considerable number of gym members haven’t been able to go back to gyms since the onset of the pandemic over a year ago.

Lockdown Weight Gain Is a Serious Matter-

Weight gain during the lockdown has signaled the waning motivation of individuals to work hard to keep their bodies healthy, and both mental and physical fatigue has become increasingly prevalent.

With increased levels of stress, gaining unnecessary weight only serves to put more strain on people’s health. This is why it’s necessary for people to take their health seriously. Obesity is a huge risk factor for COVID infection and complications.

Here are a few tips to start putting your health and wellness first:

Stick to an Exercise Routine:

It can be challenging, but you have to force yourself to stick to a workout routine. If you have fears of being exposed to the virus in a public environment, there are plenty of exercises that you can do at home.

In fact, you can download mobile apps to help you connect with other people so you can have a workout buddy to motivate you. You can also enroll in virtual workout classes if it helps you stay focused. If you prefer working out at home, you can use apps to help you craft a plan.

Start slow, and set aside at least 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week to focus on your workout.

If you prefer doing workouts with a personal trainer, you can ask your gym if they offer such a service.

If not, there are a number of personal trainers who advertise their services online. Some of them are willing to do online sessions. Try doing a variety of exercises, including yoga, bodyweight exercises, or running. Walking your dog for at least 30 minutes a day can help you lose weight, and dancing is also a great way to shed off some fat. You can watch YouTube videos of Zumba classes to get started. Not only will it help you lose weight, but it will also give your mental health a boost.

If you have any illnesses that may be exacerbated by exercise, consult your doctor. Ask for recommendations about what exercises would work best for your present condition. It’s okay if you need to start slowly; what’s important is that you make a change from leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Invest in Your Nutrition:

On top of your workout routines, you should also invest in your nutrition. Make sure that you are eating adequately and appropriately. Stick to a nutritional plan that best suits your health needs. It can be tempting to binge on comfort food because of the emotionally draining situation that we’re currently in, but your best bet would be to consume ample amounts of fruits and vegetables while cutting back on sugary food items and processed meals.

It might be a good time to develop your skills in the kitchen and get cooking. Making home-cooked meals is a great way to help you stick to your diet. In fact, a study has shown that individuals who consume home-cooked meals are less likely to gain weight.

Since you are in quarantine, use the time you have at your hands to experiment. Start meal planning so you can squash those cravings that you have late at night. Aside from food, you can also take supplements to help you lose weight. Choose healthy supplements that help you burn fat faster. You can learn more here.

Remember, you should aim for a balanced diet. It is unhealthy to follow crash diets that could affect your immune system. If you want to curb your eating routine by adopting methods such as intermittent fasting, be sure to ask your doctor first. While you may want to experiment in the kitchen, experimenting with new diets can be risky.

You need to be properly guided on how you should start and progress on a particular diet.

Follow a Routine:

Quarantine fatigue can cause you to lose focus. You can try to shake it off by following a routine. Ever since the pandemic disrupted our regular routines, many found it hard to cope, which resulted in behaviors that caused them to gain weight.

One way to combat this is to set up a new daily routine, which can help you maintain a sense of normalcy. You can start by setting a time for when to wake up, do chores, eat meals, work out, attend work or school, and sleep.

Once you get the hang of it, you can slowly incorporate meal planning to ensure that you are getting the right food in your system, helping you fight off obesity.

Getting the right amount of sleep can also help you strengthen your immune system. Aside from giving your body plenty of rest, following a sleep routine helps to fight off midnight cravings and prevent weight gain.

You have to make sure that you are getting quality, restful sleep so that your body is able to rest and recuperate. This way, you will be ready to take on a new day.

Endnote:

Now you have a deeper understanding of what quarantine weight is and how it can affect your risk for developing other chronic diseases. Try not to be too hard on yourself, as the last year has been difficult for everyone. Focus on formulating a new routine and sticking to it, and you’ll start seeing a difference in your physique in no time.

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Senior-Friendly Exercise Routines: Enhancing Quality Of Life Guide

Aging is a natural part of life, and staying active is essential for seniors to maintain a high quality of life. Many older adults face challenges when it comes to exercising, from chronic health conditions to a lack of knowledge on where to start. We understand the unique needs, focusing on exercises that improve balance while minimizing the risk of injury. Whether you're a senior looking to stay fit or a caregiver seeking valuable insights, this comprehensive guide is for you. This comprehensive guide explores the many benefits of exercise. It also offers guidance on safe and effective workout plans to individuals. This provides tips for making physical activity an enjoyable and sustainable part of your life. Why Exercise Is Essential For Seniors? Regular exercise provides a multitude of physical and mental benefits that enable seniors to stay active and engaged. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. For example: Improves heart health: The American Heart Association states that staying active can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. This reduces seniors' risk of heart disease by up to 35%. Builds muscle and bone strength: Weight training and resistance exercises build muscle mass, which can prevent injury and reduce age-related muscle loss by up to 3% per year. Boosts mood and cognitive function: Exercising stimulates chemicals in the brain that enhance mood, sleep, and memory, reducing the risk of depression and dementia. Prevents loss of mobility: Strength, balance, and flexibility exercises keep joints supple and reduce seniors' risk of falls and disability by 28%, per JAMA Internal Medicine. Physical activity provides tangible benefits for both physical and mental well-being in aging individuals but also highlights the significance of consulting healthcare professionals, especially those specializing in adult primary care. Yet, to unlock these benefits, seniors must choose activities suited to their needs and abilities. Tailoring Exercise to Senior Abilities When designing exercise plans for seniors, several important factors are to consider: Health Conditions: Seniors often have chronic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Consult a doctor about safe activities and modifications. Physical Capabilities: Assess factors like bone/joint health, balance, mobility, strength, and endurance. Choose exercises that target any limitations. Interests And Goals: Focus on exercises the senior enjoys. This helps them set realistic health goals like building strength or improving balance. Accessibility: Impact on exercise includes location, financial constraints, and transportation. Find low-cost and convenient options like at-home routines. Getting input from healthcare providers, trainers, and the seniors themselves ensures regimens are safe, effective, and sustainable. Exercise programs, such as the ems suits, should evolve over time to match seniors’ changing capabilities and fitness levels. Best Exercises For Seniors Any physical activity has its benefits. Certain types of exercise lend themselves particularly well to seniors' abilities. Incorporating a mix provides whole-body health improvements. Aerobic Exercise Engaging in low-impact aerobic activities can help improve cardiovascular health. Options include: Walking: A simple, accessible exercise that improves endurance. Swimming: Helps build strength and cardiovascular fitness without stress on joints. Chair Aerobics: Seated, low-impact movement to upbeat music. Tai Chi: Lowers blood pressure while working with balance and flexibility. Aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking. Strength Training Working major muscle groups combats age-related loss of muscle mass. Try: Body weight exercises: Squats, planks, and lunges use one's weight as resistance. Resistance bands/tubing: Provides flexible resistance strength training. Weight machines: Begin with low weight and high repetition. Functional fitness: Use daily activities like standing from a chair, and carrying groceries. Aim to have 8-12 strength sessions spread over 2 or more days per week. Flexibility Exercises Stretching, yoga, and Pilates keep muscles and joints limber. Benefits include: Improved range of motion and posture Reduced risk of injury Increased balance and stability Aim to stretch major muscle groups 2-3 days per week. Balance Exercises Balance tends to decline with age, leading to falls. Specific activities to improve balance include: Tai Chi Standing heel/toe raises Walking heel-to-toe in a straight line Standing on one foot To improve balance, perform balance exercises at least 3 days per week, with each session lasting at least 15 minutes. Creating an Effective Senior Exercise Routine When designing a holistic fitness regimen, keep the FITT principle in mind: Frequency: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise. Include at least 2 days of strength training. Intensity: Moderate intensity is the safest and most effective for seniors. Use the “talk test” to avoid overexertion. Time: Start with 5-10 minute sessions and work up to 30 minute workouts. Type: Combine aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility training for fitness. Other tips for creating an effective senior exercise routine: Get guidance from a physical therapist or certified trainer. Focus on proper form and technique over speed. Warm up and cool down before and after exercising. Include rest days for recovery and to prevent overtraining. Track progress through activity journals or fitness trackers. Stay hydrated and listen to your body's limits. Tailor exercise routines to individual fitness levels, goals, and medical needs. The key is starting slow and building up over time. Patience and consistency are vital. Exercise Safety Tips for Seniors While physical activity is beneficial for older adults, follow these precautions to prevent risk: Consult your doctor, especially if you have chronic health conditions. Warm up with 5-10 minutes of light activity to prepare muscles and joints. Use proper form to avoid straining muscles or joints. Start to work with a trainer. Increase intensity over weeks and months to avoid overexertion. Listen to warning signs like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath and stop activity if they occur. Wear supportive footwear with good traction to prevent falls. Stay hydrated and avoid exercise during extreme heat. Cool down with gentler activity after workouts to ease muscles. Seniors should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like chest tightness or severe pain during or after exercising. Starting slow and maintaining safe habits are key. Making Exercise a Lifelong Habit To sustain motivation and make working out a regular lifelong habit, seniors can: Join community fitness classes designed for older adults to meet peers and enjoy group energy. Find an exercise buddy for mutual support and accountability. Incorporate activity into daily routines like housework or gardening. Track progress with a journal, app, or wearable device to stay motivated. Focus on enjoyment first by choosing activities you find fun and energizing. Listen to your body and be flexible about modifying plans when needed. Reward small wins and don't dwell on temporary setbacks. Progress takes patience. Staying active provides lifelong benefits for seniors' health, independence, and enjoyment of life. Following the guidance in this ultimate guide can help older adults start and sustain customized exercise routines tailored to their unique needs and abilities. The key is taking the first step! FAQs:- 1. How can seniors exercise if they have chronic pain or mobility issues? Ans: Consult a physical therapist to design a program suited to your health conditions. Low-impact activities like water aerobics, chair yoga, walking, or Tai Chi. This can help improve strength and mobility without aggravating pain. 2. What home exercises should seniors do if they can't get to a gym? Ans: Simple strength exercises like squats or planks using your body weight are very effective. For staying active, consider chair aerobics, stretching routines, jogging in place, or engaging in activities like gardening and household chores. These can be effective ways to incorporate movement into your routine. 3. How long does it take to see the benefits of a senior exercise routine? Ans: While some benefits, like better sleep or mood, can occur immediately. Research shows it takes about 6-8 weeks to begin noticing significant improvements in strength, balance, and cardiovascular health. Stick with the regimen to unlock the full benefits. Conclusion: And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to senior-friendly exercise routines, your ultimate key to unlocking a healthier and more vibrant life. Staying active isn't just a phase – it's a lifelong habit. Join community classes, find an exercise buddy, and make it a part of your daily routine. Listen to your body, enjoy the journey, and celebrate small victories. Remember, this guide is your companion on the path to a healthier and more vibrant you. Take that first step, stay consistent, and relish the lifelong benefits that exercise brings. Here's to a future filled with strength, balance, and joy! Additional Reading: Postpartum Exercise: What You Must Know What are Popular Mind and Body Exercises Available at a Gym? Discover The Transformative Power Of Treadmill Ownership: Beyond Exercise

Unlocking Plant-Based Protein Potential: Exploring A Leading Supplement

In health and fitness, nutrition is vital to achieving optimal well-being. With increasing numbers of individuals striving to lead healthier lives, the spotlight has turned to alternative protein sources, particularly Plant protein supplements. These supplements offer many benefits, and one notable product in this category deserves attention for its potential advantages. Multifaceted Benefits In the realm of nutrition, plant-based diets have gained remarkable popularity. As a result, plant-based protein supplements have risen to prominence to fulfill the protein needs of those pursuing vegetarian or vegan lifestyles. Unlike traditional sources, such as meat and dairy, plant proteins offer multifaceted benefits beyond protein content. A Comprehensive Approach to Nutrition The product in question exemplifies the ideals of the plant-based movement by providing a holistic perspective on nutrition. This supplement is created from various plant sources and offers a well-rounded amino acid profile, crucial for the body's vital growth and repair processes. Amino acids, the building blocks, are pivotal in promoting muscle development, bolstering the immune system, and maintaining overall health. Supporting Muscle Growth and Recovery Regular physical activity necessitates an adequate protein intake, particularly to aid in muscle recovery and growth. The supplement under consideration excels in this realm, providing a blend of plant-based proteins that are easily digestible and rich in essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are critical in reducing muscle fatigue, improving endurance, and expediting post-workout recovery. Holistic Wellness and Digestive Health The benefits of this supplement extend beyond its protein content. Often enriched with dietary fibres, it supports a healthier gut environment. A balanced gut microbiome facilitates efficient digestion and influences immune responses and metabolic functions. By incorporating this supplement into one's routine, individuals may experience enhanced digestion, improved nutrient absorption, and heightened well-being. Eco-Friendly Considerations Plant protein supplements offer more than individual health advantages; they often have a lower environmental impact than conventional animal-based protein sources. By opting for products like the one being discussed, consumers indirectly contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, reducing their ecological footprint and promoting a healthier planet. Diverse Plant Sources A notable feature of the product is its incorporation of a diverse range of plant sources. This blend often includes proteins from peas, rice, quinoa, and other plant-based ingredients. This unique amalgamation ensures a comprehensive amino acid profile while catering to individuals with varying dietary preferences or restrictions. Such inclusivity renders the product versatile, accommodating various nutritional needs. Tailored Nutrition Every individual's nutritional needs are distinct, and influenced by age, activity level, and fitness objectives. The product acknowledges this diversity by offering customizable serving sizes. This feature empowers users to tailor their protein intake to their specific requirements, preventing excessive consumption while ensuring optimal protein support. Convenience and Flavour An integral aspect of any nutritional supplement is its taste and convenience. The product excels in this aspect, often available in various delectable flavors. This ensures a pleasant consumption experience and encourages adherence to a consistent nutritional regimen. The ease of incorporating the product into shakes, smoothies, or recipes further solidifies its role as a seamless addition to one's daily routine. Unlocking Potential Through Plant Protein As the pursuit of enhanced well-being and vitality continues, plant protein supplements emerge as invaluable tools. The product discussed here encapsulates the essence of this movement, offering a comprehensive approach to nutrition that transcends mere protein content. With its focus on muscle support, digestive health, sustainability, and adaptable nutrition, this product stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of health and wellness. Incorporating this supplement into your lifestyle could unlock your full potential, aiding you in achieving your fitness aspirations while aligning with your values of health and sustainability. As society increasingly embraces plant-based nutrition, the harmony between holistic well-being and plant protein supplements paves the way for a brighter, healthier future. Read Also:Here’s How NMN Supplements WorkHow Supplements Complement Your Daily RoutineProven Vitamins Used in Energy Supplements

How To Speed Up Your Muscle Injury Recovery

A muscle injury of any type can be extremely painful, weaken the body, and make it difficult to proceed with your daily activities. Muscle injuries include a pulled muscle or muscle strain and can occur for various reasons. Speeding muscle recovery time is crucial to carrying on with your life without pain. Muscle injuries can limit the muscle’s movement, not only in that muscle but in surrounding ones attached via tendons and aponeurosis. Arteries, veins, and nerves penetrate the epimysium (connective tissue sheath surrounding the muscle). When a muscle is damaged, nerve impulses are sent to the brain, signaling pain. Blood flow can be compromised in severe muscle damage, and blood loss into the surrounding tissue can cause a bruise or hematoma. Skeletal muscles also need signals (impulses) from the nerve cell to contract the muscle fiber. When an injured muscle cuts off these nerve impulses, the muscle cannot perform. In bodybuilding, muscle injury is what builds stronger, larger muscles as new cells fill in the tears. However, extreme damage can lead to serious issues. How Does A Muscle Injury Happen? A muscle strain can occur in various ways, each causing a different set of problems. Fatigue will not result in the same pain and damage that extreme exercise can cause. Any strain on a muscle can reduce motion and cause pain. Minor and moderate injuries are easily treated at home. However, more severe damage (diagnosed as grade 3), such as rotator cuff tears, Achilles ruptures, or hamstring ruptures, might require surgery. Muscle injury can occur in three different areas: within the muscle, at the connection between the muscle and tendon (most frequent), or in the tendon that attaches the muscle to the bone. Muscle strains and injuries can happen to anyone. While athletes are more likely to experience these injuries, the general population is also at risk. Acute strains can occur while walking if you lose your footing or slip, throw an item, lift something heavy, jump, run, or lift something improperly. Muscle injuries include: Strains: these contraction-induced injuries occur most often when muscles work across multiple joints during rapid acceleration and deceleration more than the tensile forces the muscle fibers can withstand Contusions: caused by compressive force to the muscle, such as in contact sports collisions that lead to muscle damage with bleeding resulting in a bruise Lacerations: most often occur due to injuries, such as industrial or traumatic accidents that cut the muscle Here are some of the most common causes of muscle injury: Poor Conditioning Engaging in physical activity when the muscles have not been adequately conditioned can increase the risk of injury. Improper Exercises Doing extreme, high-intensity exercises or those your body is not used to can cause exercise-induced muscle damage. The ensuing trauma can lead to inflammation, swelling, increased passive tension, decreased muscle strength, soreness, reduced range of motion, and problems with insulin sensitivity as the muscles are involved in glucose uptake. Fatigue Overexertion of the muscle can lead to muscle fatigue, weakening it and making it more susceptible to injury. Improper Warmup Working the muscles without preparing them through proper warmup exercises and stretches can cause muscle injury. Lack of flexibility can increase the risk of injury as the muscle fibers are tighter than they should be. Overuse Repetitive tasks can cause micro-trauma to the muscles. For example, someone on the computer all day doing repetitive movements with the keys or the mouse may experience muscle pain in the inner elbow or wrist. Injury Whether caused by sports or trauma, an injury can result in mild to severe damage to the muscle. Bruising is a sign of bleeding, and while minor bruises are not dangerous, some forms of hematomas can be life-threatening in the case of serious injuries, including when fractures or internal organ damage is present. Poor Posture Sitting or standing in the wrong position for a long time can strain the muscles. Muscle strains are more common in the neck, back, shoulders, and hamstrings. What Can You Do For Muscle Injury? The treatment you need depends on the severity of the muscle strain. Muscle injury is categorized into three grades as follows: Grade 1: mild damage to less than 5% of individual muscle fibers, causing minimal loss of motion and strength. Grade 2: more muscle fibers are affected with increased damage, yet no complete ruptures. The injury can cause significant loss of motion and strength and may take two to three months to heal. Grade 3: complete muscle or tendon rupture that may require surgery to reattach the damaged tissue. The tips below can help you speed up recovery from a muscle injury: Rest Injured muscles need time to heal, and that means letting them rest. An injured muscle is more vulnerable to further damage, so avoid activities that can further increase the strain. Sleep Getting adequate sleep is crucial to muscle recovery, as that is the time when growth hormone and insulin growth factor 1 promote cellular regeneration and tissue repair. Anything less than 7 hours reduces recovery efforts inside the body. Hydrate Hydrated muscles heal better than dehydrated ones. Along with water, increasing intake of fruit and vegetables provides additional fluids along with crucial vitamins and minerals the body needs for muscle repair. Compression Compression wrapping of the affected area supports and reduces swelling in the injured area. Do not make the compress too tight, which can cut off circulation. Elevate Raising the injured muscle above heart level decreases blood flow to the area, helping to reduce swelling. The sooner you can do that, the better it is to speed healing. Ice Applying ice packs to an injured muscle immediately can help reduce swelling and pain. Focus on doing it for 15 minutes every hour for the first two to three days (longer if necessary). HGH Therapy It has been clinically proven that HGH not only boosts muscle development but also enhances muscle repair and recovery. Find out what is the HGH cost in the US and whether HGH therapy is right for you. Manual Therapy Physical therapy targets the damaged muscle to improve circulation, increase mobility, decrease swelling, reduce pain, and promote healing. Heat After icing for three days, apply heat a few times daily to restore blood circulation to the area for healing. Pain Management There are many ways to manage pain, including over-the-counter medications, prescription painkillers (which can lead to addiction if used long-term), supportive braces, and getting help from a pain management specialist, if needed. Increase Protein Consumption Muscles need protein, and eating more protein, along with taking collagen or whey powder supplements, provides the muscles with nutrients to speed the healing process. Consume Tart Cherry Juice Studies have shown some benefits of tart cherry juice for reducing inflammation, soreness, and damage to the muscles. Switch To Low-Impact Exercise During Injury Recovery Strength and flexibility exercises can help improve strength and range of motion while speeding muscle recovery. A physical therapist can help determine the appropriate exercises for your condition. Surgery Serious injuries may require surgical intervention to improve healing. Seek medical help for severe muscle injuries. Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections PRP injections may accelerate muscle tissue regeneration in the damaged area. Conclusion Muscle injuries can cause significant pain, bruising, swelling, decreased range of motion, and loss of strength. The pain can be sudden, sporadic, stabbing, achy, ongoing, or combined. As the muscle heals, stem cells around the injured area regenerate new muscle fibers, and scar tissue forms around the area. Torn muscle tissue may never fully regenerate, making it susceptible to future muscle strains. Trying the RICE method of rest, ice, compression, and elevation is always the best step to take immediately. A newer recommendation is the PEACE approach, which has you protect the area from further injury by reducing use, elevating to decrease swelling, avoiding anti-inflammatory treatments (ice and NSAIDs) to allow inflammation for healing, compressing the area with a bandage, and educating yourself about the recovery period. Protecting the muscles from injury is crucial, and giving strained muscles time to heal can reduce the risk of further damage. Seek medical attention if the pain and weakness are ongoing or severe. Read Also: Seeking a Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers to Check Out 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Different Types Of Blood Circulation Exercise

Quarantine Weight Gain is Real: What Should You Do About It?