Staying Active during COVID-19
by Jena Docking, UGFHT Health Promoter and Registered Kinesiologist
May 30, 2020
I think we all hoped that the social isolation measures put into place in March 2020 to slow the spread of COVID-19 would be short-lived and that we could return to normal activities sooner rather than later. Unfortunately facility and organization closures are still the norm but what is promising is that we are starting to enter the first stage of Phase 2 of Ontario’s framework for reopening with our province that has seen the opening of golf courses, marinas, and some parks and campgrounds.
As we navigate through this stage, you may be wondering what is accessible to you in Centre Wellington. I’ve compiled this handy list of outdoor facilities and amenities that have now officially reopened as of May 22, 2020:
- Centre Wellington Dog Park
- Sports fields (no team activities)
- Structures at parks and open spaces (residents can use picnic tables, benches and shelters while maintaining physical distancing)
- Tennis courts on Tower. St. and at the CW Community Sportsplex (online registration is open!)
- Golf courses (Wildwinds Golf Links and Fergus Golf Club)
- Skate parks, basketball courts, playgrounds and splash pads remain closed for time being.
While visiting these locations, please be sure to adhere to current best practices for reducing the spread of COVID-19 such as maintaining a physical distance of at least two metres or six feet between you and persons residing outside your household, not gathering in groups of more than five, wearing non-medical masks where possible, practicing good cough etiquette and washing and/or sanitizing your hands often.
This current stage of our beautiful province’s reopening provides plenty of opportunities in our community to get active and achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. Meeting this goal could be as simple as kicking around a soccer ball with your family members, booking 9 holes of golf, booking a tennis court to play singles tennis or doubles tennis with family members, or enjoying a walk with your furry companion at the dog park.
Let’s not forget the virtual services that are available for getting or staying active. Here are a list of local ways your fitness community is helping:
- ForgeX
- Daily functional training workouts
- Daily workout video instruction, mobility and mindset tips
- Daily live Zoom classes for group participation and live coaching and feedback
- CW Community Sportsplex
- RT Health Company
- Virtual personal training using Zoom
- Zoom virtual classes 4x/wk (Bootcamp, Strong as a Mother, Bodyweight Bootcamp)
- Custom online training (customized program with videos of each exercise, interaction with trainer via direct messaging)
Let’s make the most of these services and enjoy this time to get active.
If you need help with musculoskeletal rehabilitation, exercise prescriptions, fitness and health information or a fitness assessment to help you on your wellness journey call 519-843-3947 x126 or ask your family physician about how to access my free services today!
