Physical activity is an important way to stay physically healthy. Staying active can also help to improve mental health and reduce anxiety or stress during the current COVID-19 pandemic. You can meet physical activity recommendations outdoors or at home without special equipment or a large space.
Getting outside for fresh air is also important for your mental well-being. You are still encouraged to go outside as long as you are not required to self-isolate and you can maintain physical distancing precautions (e.g. keeping at least a 2 meter distance from other people).
Participating in physical activity is safe for most people. If you have any concerns about your health, check with your health care provider or a qualified exercise professional before becoming more active.
See below for ideas on staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources are intended for educational and/or informational purposes only. The information within these resources is not meant to replace the advice from your health care provider or individual counselling with a qualified exercise professional.
If you have questions and or would like to speak to a qualified exercise professional, call 8-1-1.
Adults
Learn about ways to exercise during the pandemic and watch exercise videos that you can do at home:
- American College of Sports Medicine Exercise is Medicine: Staying Active During COVID-19
- Fitness DVDs and Videos
- ParticipACTION workout videos
- World Health Organization: Be Active During COVID-19 Q&A
- World Health Organization: #HealthyAtHome: Physical Activity
- YMCA Canada: YThrive Home
Parents and Kids
Find ways to keep kids active at home:
- Ace Fitness: What are some creative ways to keep my kids active indoors?
- Active for Life Resources for Parents and Kids
- International Play Association Canada: Statement: Play in the time of COVID-19
- Outdoor Play Canada: Should I go outside in the COVID-19 era?
- ParticipACTION workout videos
Older Adults
Find ways to stay active at home and watch exercise videos created for older adults:
- Government of BC: Move for Life!
- McMaster University: Ways to stay active at home
- University of British Columbia: Group-based Physical Activity for Older Adults
- University of British Columbia: Choose to Move
Last updated: May 26, 2020
