Blog: Homeostasis, Exercise, and COVID-19 Isolation by David Marks

[Andy]

A recent post explored human needs during COVID-19 isolation. The success of social isolation policies will depend on minimizing long-term depreciation of mental health. In this post, I explain the benefits of developing a system of daily exercise to bolster well-being.

Exercise is an under-utilised resource that is freely available to almost everyone, which can bring profound benefits if applied systematically. The impact of exercise is one of the most powerful examples of regulation created by homeostasis. Regular physical activity not only has obvious physical benefits but significant psychological benefits also. During COVID-19 isolation, exercise offers the capability to reset body and mind to a more optimum state of equilibrium.

However, exercise is no panacea.

Exercise must be applied with caution especially by people with chronic conditions. If a person has a heart condition, strenuous physical exercise may put them at risk (Keteyian et al., 2016).

In some chronic conditions such as ME/CFS, exercise tends to make many patients feel much worse (Geraghty et al., 2019).

However, if used safely and appropriately, the majority of people can quickly feel physical and mental benefits from regular exercise.

https://davidfmarks.com/2020/05/12/...-as-vigorously-promoted-as-social-distancing/

 

[Mithriel]

That seems fair enough. Only quibble is that it does not make us "feel" worse, in fact exercise made me feel better. It makes the disease worse and leads to deterioration.

If only quibbles were all that was wrong with most articles!

 

[Simbindi]

Only quibble is that it does not make us "feel" worse, in fact exercise made me feel better. It makes the disease worse and leads to deterioration.

I think that is a very good point to make to doctors and other health professionals. I was the same when I was less severe. Even now, if I achieve something one day, I feel good. The problem is what happens to me physically later.

 

[Invisible Woman]

I loved exercise. I adored Pilates.and even own a Pilates machine.

I even worked out a cut down very minimal routine with the lightest resistance.

When well enough, I never had to steel or push myself to get on the machine. I really enjoyed it and often felt like I could keep going and do a bit more so it took self discipline to stop.

Even if I stopped after the most gentle workout, I would be flattened for at least a week. Literally unable to leave my bed.

Much as I loved it I had to abandon it. I probably got more exercise just by virtue of being able to move about a bit more when I didn't do Pilates.