The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world. Though we learn more and more about the disease on a regular basis, we still have many questions that may take years to answer.

For many of us, COVID-19 has changed how we work and socialize, not to mention how we exercise. Whether you play an organized sport or you’re a regular gym goer, you may worry about physical activity during the pandemic.

Though COVID-19 guidelines continue to evolve, as leaders in sports medicine, you can count on us at Pinnacle Pain and Spine to provide safe, high-quality care that keeps you fit and performing at your best.

Here, we’re sharing what you need to know about exercise, injuries, and getting sports medicine care in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Can I exercise?

Yes! Regular exercise is good for your health, even during a pandemic.

In fact, regular exercise may be more critical to your health because obesity is one of the conditions that puts you at greater risk of developing serious COVID-19 symptoms. Being fit and healthy may reduce your chances of health complications if you contract the virus.

Also, exercise benefits your mental health. Months of quarantine, social distancing, financial constraints, and other stresses brought on by the pandemic have had a significant impact on the mental well-being of many people. Regular physical activity may ease some of that stress and boost your mood.

Can I work out at the gym?

Gyms may be open, but you’re not alone if you’re feeling a little uneasy about working out indoors. After all, COVID-19 spreads via respiratory droplets and being in an enclosed space with lots of other people who are breathing heavily may increase your chances of getting infected.

Lucky for us, the weather in Arizona during this time of year is perfect for outdoor activities. So, skip the indoor workout and head outside and take a brisk walk, jog around the neighborhood, or create an obstacle course at the local park.

However, if you prefer working out at the gym, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you take a few precautions to protect yourself and other gym goers, such as:

• Keeping two-arm lengths distance between you and other people
• Wearing a mask
• Attending a gym that enforces mask-wearing
• Sticking to a low-intensity workout (minimizes inhalation and exhalation)
• Going outside for your moderate- to high-intensity workout
• Cleaning equipment before and after use with sanitizing wipes
• Washing your hands or using hand-sanitizer frequently
• Shortening your indoor workout routine

You can also exercise at home. There are a lot of great online workout routines that fit any fitness level.

What if I have a sports injury?

Exercise may be good for your health, but it also increases your risk of injury. That may make you think twice about exercising during the pandemic. But we think the benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the risks.

Additionally, if you have a sports injury, we can provide the care you need. For your health and safety, we are in full compliance with the governor’s mandate for ambulatory surgical centers.

We’ve delayed all elective and non-urgent procedures and injections, we screen patients prior to every appointment, we maintain social distancing with patients and staff, and we schedule appointments so you spend very little time in the waiting room.

We also have telemedicine appointments. If you hurt yourself while exercising or playing a sport, we schedule a telemedicine visit to assess your injury, provide recommendations, and then determine if we need to schedule an in-office visit.

If we do need to see you at the office, we may be able to provide most of your follow-up care through telemedicine.

If you’re injured, don’t avoid getting care due to fears about the virus. Make an appointment with our sports medicine experts by calling our office in Scottsdale, Chandler, or Fountain Hills, Arizona, or requesting a visit online.