KUALA LUMPUR – Throughout the various Movement Control Orders (MCO) implemented in Malaysia since March last year, many restrictions were placed on social and recreational activities such as exercise and fitness.
While the restrictions imposed were in place to mitigate the risks surrounding the Covid-19 novel coronavirus, many parties lamented the fact that it is during times of high stress like this that people should be encouraged to exercise more, and not less.
Besides improving our immune system function, there are many reasons why physical activity is good for you, including improving cardiovascular function and improving joints and bones. But did you know that physical activity also benefits your mental health and wellbeing?
The Malaysian Fitness Coalition recently announced the results of a survey to determine whether there is a correlation between physical activity levels and self-declared stress levels.
The survey, conducted in collaboration with a prominent local university last month, generated close to 4,000 responses from individuals above 18 years, almost 100% of whom reside in Malaysia.
Among the key findings of this survey are:
• 94% of respondents who were identified as mentally tough exercise at least once a week.
o Of this number, 54% exercise at least four times a week, while the remaining 40% between one and three times a week.
• By working out at least once a week, respondents are able to handle stress 16 times better than those who did not exercise at all.
• 78% of respondents who ranked their stress levels as being ‘mild to moderate’ exercise at least once a week.
o Of this number, 43% exercise at least four times a week, while the remaining 35% one and three times a week.
o 5% say they exercise less than once a week, or not at all.
• There is no statistical difference in respondents, irrespective of gender or state they live in.
From the above, we conclude that there is a strong correlation between physical activity and mental toughness, and that the benefits of good mental health can be reaped even with a small increase in physical activity.
Our findings show that individuals who exercise more than four times a week had average to high mental toughness scores, which is in line with the World Health Organisation's recommendation of doing 150 to 300 minutes of physical activity a week to prevent lifestyle diseases as well as improve mental health and general wellbeing.
“As the nation slowly begins the transition to learning to live with Covid-19, it is clear that more emphasis must be placed on fitness, not just for physical benefits but also for the mind,” said Khoo Wei Siang, member of the Coalition.
“According to the 2019 National Health and Morbidity survey, mental health problems in Malaysia were already on the rise, long before the disruptions brought about by the novel coronavirus, which exacerbated the issue further.
In the first five months of 2021 alone, there were 468 suicide cases reported, compared to the annual total of 631 in 2020, attributed largely to the effects of the various lockdowns imposed including being cooped up inside, and financial uncertainty.”
Another member of the Coalition, Andrew Phillips, agreed. “Physical activity not only boosts the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and some cognitive function, but is also a great antidote to stress, which research has linked to depression, perhaps owing to the body’s inflammatory stress response.
The closure of gyms and similar fitness facilities during the various MCOs as well as enhanced MCOs where people are prohibited from walking, jogging, or even cycling outside is not only detrimental to physical health, but also mental health.”
“By reopening the fitness sector, we would allow some 400,000 people access to facilities that improve their physical and mental health whilst increasing their body's ability to fight off Covid-19 or any disease,” said Raheem Hamilton.
“Despite the presumption that we are a high risk industry the data both in Malaysia and globally show that the fitness industry's transmission rates are extremely low and by operators following SOPs and social distancing measures, the risk of infection can be further mitigated,” Raheem continued.
The Coalition believes that fitness is part of the solution in Malaysia’s long-term fight against not just Covid-19, but also its national health agenda whether for mental health issues, non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular problems, or obesity.
Moreover, a study by the Glasgow Caledonian University found that individuals who are physically active are 50% more likely to have higher antibodies after a vaccine, compared to someone who is sedentary.
The same study also found that 30 minutes of activity five days a week decreases the risk of falling ill and dying of infectious diseases by 37%.
“Vaccination is the single best form of protection for us as individuals, but if being physically active for just 30 minutes a day can give us a better fighting chance on the physical and mental fronts, why not?
A recent survey showed that about half the respondents reported that they lacked motivation while exercising at home. Opening the gyms could double the number of people who would benefit from more regular, satisfying workouts,” challenged fellow Coalition member Bruno Wilhelm.
With other sectors such as dining in, hairdressers and barber shops receiving the green light to operate recently, the Coalition reiterated its call for the government to prioritise the reopening of gyms and fitness facilities at the earliest possible opportunity so that the rakyat can get back on track with their fitness regimes.
The gym and fitness industry has an enviable low on-site transmission rates, leading to zero clusters; a May 2021 survey of 245 gym owners and fitness facility operators around Malaysia showed only 1 reported on-site transmission for every 2.85 million check-ins.
These statistics are testament to the fact that when SOPs are adhered to by staff and members alike, gyms are be safe spaces.
To date, gyms and fitness centres in Malaysia have been closed for a total of 144 days this year. - The Vibes. August 30, 2021
