Physical activity, even during a lockdown, is very important. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, sport keeps us in good health, lifts spirits and helps maintain social ties.
On International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (April 6), Lieven Maesschalck, rehabilitation specialist and official physiotherapist for the Belgian Red Devils football team had this message of support to share.
The World Health Organization recommends 2h30 of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both.
While almost 3 billion people in the world have been asked to stay at home, WHO has provided some tips on how to achieve this with no equipment and with limited space.
There is an abundance of free and accessible online and digital tools targeted at encouraging people of all ages and abilities to stay active and mobile while remaining at home. However, make sure you know your limits and choose programmes which match your age and physical ability.
Sportspeople are encouraged not to lose contact with their trainers, teammates and instructors, who can help them to not only keep in good physical shape, but also keep social ties.
“Sport has the power to change the world; it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair,” said Nelson Mandela, former political prisoner and head of state, as well as an amateur boxer.
Sport has the power to change the world; it is a fundamental right, a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development and peace as well as solidarity, and respect. Sport is also essential to sustainable development, allowing us to lead healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, as underlined by Sustainable Development Goal 3: ‘Good health and well-being’.
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