Keep on running, say fitness experts Kenny Riddle and Sam Cairns
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
With events cancelled and training plans torn apart, John Davidson spoke to two local sports experts about what to do to keep fitness and focus
The next few weeks are all about enjoying your time outdoors, according to former Scotland international cyclist Kenny Riddle.
Kenny, who co-owns the Bikes of Inverness store, has already contracted Covid-19 and spent the last two weeks in isolation with his family.
He says the time spent at home has given him a chance to look into the virus and come up with some pointers as to where we should go from here. His advice is cycling focused, but he says it can apply equally to other activities.
Kenny said he sticks to sources he considers reliable from the world of sport and health and said: “What all of them are saying is that high-intensity sessions are something that people should steer clear of. You’ve got to try not to get into the zone four and five area to prevent any long-term heart and lung problems.”
He said that even those with a very mild form of the virus – perhaps with no symptoms – can suffer long-term detrimental effects by putting a strain on the heart and lungs.
But that doesn’t mean putting a stop to exercise altogether. Those who are not self-isolating with suspected symptoms can still get out to exercise once a day for a run, walk or cycle ride.
Kenny said: “At the minute, I would say just go out and enjoy the bike. That means if you have got a mild form of coronavirus, you won’t be putting a strain on yourself. Keep the intensity low. Go out and pedal your bike for fun, get in the fresh air.”
For those who were training for big events which have now been postponed at least until the late summer, he says you can just treat this period like the winter by building up a good base of general fitness – ready for when rescheduled events are confirmed, when you can pick up the tempo again.
Asked about indoor options, Kenny suggests saving that for in case it is really needed, such as if we get tougher measures like those introduced in France where people can only exercise within 2km of their homes.
“I would avoid the turbo for now,” he said. “It’s hard not to push yourself and if these privileges do get taken away from us, as they have elsewhere, we could be on the turbos for a long time, so make the most of getting out into the countryside for now.”
Fitness coach Sam Cairns, the former Team GB cross-country skier, said the difficult situation we find ourselves in presents a real opportunity for people to focus on what they want to achieve.
He said: “It’s all about having the right mindset, getting the kids involved and making the most of it.
“The thing I have been telling people is to make a list of things they want to do with each day because it’s so easy to let the days just pass you by. There’s so much you can do including reading, baking and home workouts.
“There’s no reason people can’t come out of this situation fitter than ever before.
“Getting outside once a day is so important and I’ve seen some real positives come out of what is obviously a really negative situation. I’ve seen a lot more people outside walking than there usually are and hopefully that will continue once this is over.”
Sam (24) runs his business, Fitness@58degrees, from outside Kincraig in the Cairngorms National Park. While he says the coronavirus has led to a “huge loss of income” due to events, retreats in Scotland and overseas, and personal training classes all cancelled, he is determined to stay positive and make the most of the situation.
As well as using the time to do those bits of admin that often get overlooked, he has been holding virtual workouts via Facetime and says there is plenty of stuff for people to try online.
He has also launched the Virtual 5k to give people a goal to work towards while other events are being cancelled.
He explained: “The idea is for people across the UK to do a 5k from their home at the same time on the same day.
“So, we will go online before the start, do a live warm-up, have a motivational talk then everyone goes out to do their own individual 5k route.
“Afterwards, there will be a debrief and people can connect online, then I’ll send out a customised medal to every runner.”
The virtual event is currently scheduled for April 25, but Sam said he is carefully following government guidelines so that may change. However, he is adamant the run will go ahead.
The message from both Sam and Kenny seems to be to keep on running – or cycling.
Sam is confident his business is well prepared to come through this challenging time, and Kenny said that Bikes of Inverness opted to close to help reduce any potential spread of Covid-19 despite being allowed to stay open as an essential service under the current advice.
He added that some other bike stores in the city were still open to help key workers including NHS staff with repairs if necessary.
