Have we learnt crucial lessons about the importance of exercise? Will the cost of living crisis have a further impact on our participation in organised sport and exercise?
COVID influenced exercise
We were encouraged to use our precious chance to get outdoors and exercise each day. A rise in those going for a walk, run or cycle. Even open water swimming. Access to exercise and sports opportunities through online classes grew rapidly. A great way to stay fit and strong. This still remains a great option for many.
Playlists still exist and grow. Youtube houses many — charities such as Wheelpower and Sport England's programme We Are Undefeatables offer great opportunities for those with Long Term Health conditions and disabilities. Continued programmes online on a weekly basis. Targeted provision. Based at home. A comforting and crucial area of provision for those at risk of loneliness and fuel poverty. Even carers have their own channel now through Carers UK.
What is the impact of the cost of living crisis?
With the stress and tough choices, people have to make sports and exercise classes the things they have to cut from their daily lives. That monthly gym subscription or the cost of a regular weekly class. Even broadband connection time could be limited.
Struggling Councils
A report by Channel 5 which issued the Freedom of information act to all local authorities in the UK found that of those who had the data all were spending less on sport and leisure facilities and programmes than they were a decade ago. The soaring costs of running swimming pools and gyms could lead to closures. Ultimately impacting participation and mental health at a time when the cost of living pressures are already taking their toll. Looking at Gateshead in particular the findings were alarming. With individuals, community groups and sports clubs all facing closure.
Finding alternatives
Free activity opportunities are more available than many think. Walking and being in nature are the most obvious. These can advance to jogging, running and even hiking. Gardening is brilliant if you have one. Many communities also have shared allotments and gardening groups.
Many councils run cycling programmes which enable people to access bikes when they cannot afford them. Outdoor gyms offer opportunities for adults as well as children and young people.
Making the most of what we have learnt
Whilst it is often thought by elite-level performers especially that a ‘break’ or change in training can be detrimental to fitness, mental resilience and performance — the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics proved this to be wrong. Many cite that the mental health break or learning to participate in different ways actually helped improve performance.
Now we see and hear of many athletes taking sabbaticals. Giving themselves time away from sports to recover their mental health. Then making a return and they come back with a better mindset, great skill and often performance levels that surpass that which they previously achieved. Athletes withdrawing from competitions, pulling up during races, withdrawing from a final in order to be fit for the next. More rounded approaches to fitness in general and a holistic approach.
Summary
COVID took away so much but it has also given us so much. Different ways to participate in sports and exercise. A wider range of opportunities.
Now the cost of living crisis is having an impact as well. The detrimental effects of having to give up something you love. The struggle to find alternatives in our local areas that are accessible. The cost of running home exercise machines.
But there are opportunities out there and we have to embrace these and support them. Our councils are battling hard to keep things running. Our local communities and voluntary groups are taking up some of the pressure. Finding out can be the hardest step. Libraries, community centres and warm hubs can be great ways to find what you need. Social media is also key.
Getting back to exercise safely after the pandemic lockdown: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/getting-back-to-exercise-safely-after-pandemic-lockdown