I help lead the 10 a.m. exercise class in the Yachats Commons. I know how hard it is to get motivated — that’s a big reason the classes in the Commons are so popular. But we can’t do it right now, and it would be foolish to let ourselves deteriorate physically. Exercise has so many benefits — besides the obvious physical strength and endurance, it offers mental stimulation, keeps your immune system functioning, and makes you feel good all over.
Pam Gardner, the other leader of the class, sent out a bunch of links to exercise videos online, and there are plenty more, from chair aerobics to dance. There are yoga and meditation videos too, which are also good for you.
Even without a formal exercise routine, you can move! If you go for a walk, move your arms and walk vigorously at least part of the time. Get your heart rate up! Or put on some good old rock ‘n roll and dance around your living room.
We all need to stay mindful of social distancing—this is the most important and effective way to contain the virus. Six feet apart—that’s the minimum. I’m keeping all physical contact to that distance at least and also outside.
Yachats has an older demographic and we probably stopped partying a few years ago, at least in the Spring Break sense. But if you have family members who still think they’re immortal, do try to encourage them to stay home. There was an article in the New York Times about people who attended someone’s 40th birthday party at a big house in an affluent Connecticut community. Someone had been exposed and the guests took that virus with them. One was sick on a flight back to South Africa. Even — or especially — in the absence of solid national leadership, we can all take responsibility for keeping our distance.
— Andrea Scharf, Yachats