Just days after the news broke of Guyana’s first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in March, Guyanese all over the country went into a frenzy, rushing to pharmacies and their local vendors to stock up on sanitisation products, multivitamins and ‘bush tea’ herbs to protect themselves.
Aside from that, many also began exercising to build their immune systems to combat the virus as it quickly swept across the country and the world at large taking lives and crumbling economies, which raised anxieties.

In reminding persons to stay calm and practice good health during these trying times, Personal Trainer, Joshua Avinash Singh of Fit-Rex gym noted that while exercise and other health remedies are crucial, focusing on one’s mental health first will see a better a physical health to combat the virus.

“You have to attack your mental first. What I have assessed with a bunch of my clients is that [they] go through a lot of anxiety and stress…you have to find peace within yourself first. Once you develop a good mental health, I think the rest will follow,” he said.

Singh added that during this time, due to anxiety and stress, some persons found themselves binge eating which resulted in rapid weight gain over the past few months, which in the long-haul is unhealthy. As such he stressed that persons must first work on their mental state to practice good physical health.

He noted that during the pandemic he has urged his clients to participate in soothing activities, like cooking- especially something healthy- listening to some music, interacting with family members, researching and, most importantly, limiting the amount of time you spend on social media which can also affect your mental well-being.
The personal trainer noted that exercise should be a part of everyone’s daily routine and does not have to be anything extreme.

“You should look at working out as a daily activity as a part of your life, don’t put it as a time gap like two times a week or four times a week. Simple jogging or skipping rope 30 minutes a day [is adequate]. You don’t necessarily need to go the gym or the national park too, you can start right at home,” Singh said
Nevertheless, he said, “My best advice to be healthy [in this pandemic] is to stay home and remain cautious. Stay indoors as much as possible and don’t rush to go outside.”

Twenty-four-old Singh disclosed, that his gym had been closed since the outbreak of the virus in adherence to the COVID-19 precautions, however, he opted to try virtual exercise sessions with his clients and interested citizens but, to his disappointment, not many were responsive.

However, Singh who has been a personal trainer for some 10 years now, noted that he has been making house calls too, where he would meet customers at their respective homes to have one on one sessions while maintaining social distancing.

Singh noted that to his delight many citizens have invested in at-home workouts, equipment and meal planning to better improve their health and well-being during this time.
He added that the tools, equipment and meal planning services are provided during his at-home sessions.