KUALA LUMPUR – Is it safe to exercise at home?
Well, according to former National Sports Institute (NSI) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz, it is always better and safer to go to the gym and work out instead of exercising at home.
He said that while people may already feel comfortable with their home environment since the lockdown last year, it is not safe to hold vigorous workout sessions because a home is not built for those purposes.
“If you want to do light exercises, then it is okay but for some fitness enthusiasts who like to carry weights or robust type of exercises, a home is not the best and safest place.
“For example, you could (accidentally) hurt yourself and others in the process,” he told The Vibes when contacted.
“That is why we have gyms so that intense exercises can be done safely.
“It is safer to exercise at the gym, especially with a high-intensity workout, where we have professionals to provide us with immediate medical attention and it is equipped with the required safety measures,” he said.
At the same time, Ramlan understands that some people still don’t feel safe going back to the gym due to the Covid-19 virus, but if they still prefer to work out at home, then certain safety steps should be considered.
“You need to create an open area, which does not have any furniture or dangerous objects that could be harmful to you.
“It is not easy to transform your home into a gym because a home is not designed that way. It will be a hassle to do so,” he said.
However, Ramlan added that people should consider creating sufficient space, covering the floors with rubber floorings or interlocking tiles that offers maximum durability and shock absorbency when making a home gym.
“By taking these steps, it will protect their floors and also their body as vigorous exercises require a lot of floor contact,” he said.
Ramlan highlights that fitness enthusiasts need to manage their expectations so that they do not exercise in the same volume and intensity as they would in a gym.
Exercise helps strengthen the immune system
Meanwhile, having been a sport and medical expert for over 30 years, Ramlan believes that staying fit and healthy is important as it will reduce the chances of getting sick.
“Exercising is a must because it helps build immunity.
“It is good if you could do brisk walking, running, swimming, and cycling for 30 minutes every day,” he said.
“I believe that doing aerobics can enhance your immunity but anaerobic exercises - which involve heavy-lifting and sprinting - can affect your immunity because they cause fatigue, and you will need a longer recovery period.
“The important part of exercising is to have sufficient recovery time so that you will not be exhausted and feel fatigued for your next exercise session.”
Nevertheless, Ramlan says it is important to keep hydrated to avoid contracting kidney failure and heatstroke, adding that a balanced diet helps improve the immune system. – The Vibes, September 21, 2021.
