Exercise outside the home has been banned in Metro Manila, while the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is still in place and will last until August 20.
But many did not like it.
Aside from cycling to and from work, Zsaris Mendioro is also cycling to exercise and relieve stress in the midst of the pandemic.
He said it helps a lot to alleviate the anxiety and apprehension he feels.
Mendioro opposed the Metro Manila mayors’ decision to ban outdoor exercises.
“I think sana hindi nila tanggalin ‘yung privilege mag-bike or mag-jog kasi ito na lang din ‘yung way to cope like mental health-wise, katawan… From the first lockdown, biking has helped me cope, tapos babawasan pa nila ‘yung chance natin to cope ulit,” he said.
According to one expert, physical activity plays an important role in physical and mental health.
Not only does exercise strengthen the resistance and the body, but it also helps with stress management.
“Physically, siyempre panlaban ito sa mga karamdaman katulad ng diabetes and other stress-related medical conditions… Mentally naman maraming benefits ang exercise sa pag-iisip natin, for instance, lumalakas ‘yung memorya natin, lumalakas ‘yung sharpness ng pag-iisip and then katulad ng mga sleeping habits, and ‘yung energy natin, gumaganda,” said Dr. Randy Dellosa, psychiatrist.
Ban in outdoor exercise opposed
According to the Department of Health, 25 percent of Filipinos now experience “moderate to severe anxiety” because they cannot go out due to the pandemic and because many are already work-from-home.
In a study by the University of the Philippines with nearly 1,900 respondents, more than 300 said they experience “moderate to severe” depression.
Dellosa’s advice is to exercise even indoors still.
Metro Manila mayors, on the other hand, asked for understanding on the temporary restriction.
In March, experts said they are alarmed by the lack of exercise among children now that they are not allowed to leave their homes due to the pandemic.
According to Dr. Cynthia Cuayo-Juico, a member of the Philippine Pediatric Society, parents also seem to be less vigilant if children’s eating habits are correct.
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