COVID-19 and physical activity considerations:
Moving forward, TVG will not be posting any group rides on our site. We will be posting up trail conditions as they change. If out on the trails please exercise good judgement and follow proper Public Health guidelines.
It has been difficult to find exact guidelines on outdoor exercise. Here is some info from some reliable sources for your own reading. It covers topics such as:
- Information pertaining to the current COVID-19 situation
- Things you can do to promote physical and mental health
- The importance of physical activity including the health benefits and current guidelines
- The importance of nature during stressful times including information on health benefits
- The importance of keeping the community safe and yourself safe (i.e. being active while following public health recommendations such social distancing recommendations 2 metres apart.)
Have fun, enjoy nature, be safe, respect others and stay in shape!
The following information is for a reference. Please read through the information and formulate your judgement on how to conduct yourselves according to the guidelines and information and your own personal feelings. Please also seek additional Information on your own accord.
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Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health website for general info on Covid-19 and how to stay safe:
https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/covid-19-information-public#COVIDGeneral
What is social distancing?
https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/sites/default/files/file-attachments/HCP/instagram_covid-19_social_distancing_1080_x_1920.jpg
From a recent Waterloo Article: “Can I go outside?
“If you are healthy and do not need to self-isolate, then yes, you can leave your house…..going for walks, a hike or to the park is fine as well, as long as you observe the two-metre rule.”
Source: https://www.therecord.com/news-story/9911531-public-health-expert-says-going-out-for-walks-is-ok-but-having-friends-over-for-dinner-is-not/
Guidelines and benefits of physical activity for individuals aged 18-64:
https://csepguidelines.ca/adults-18-64/
Public Health Ontario’s information relating to physical activity:
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/health-topics/health-promotion/physical-activity
Parks Canada:”Healthy Parks, Healthy People, Why Outdoor Exercise Really is Better For You”
https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/healthy-parks-healthy-people-why-outdoor-exercise-really-is-better-for-you/
Natural Resources Canada outlines how forest can benefit our mental health and well-being:
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/forests-forestry/state-canadas-forests-report/how-do-forests-benefit-canadians/16509
From National Public Radio (in the US) Refer to question and answer, “People who go outside to exercise are sometimes shamed on TV and social media for risky behaviour. Is it okay to go outside for a walk, run or bike ride?”
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/20/819031274/coronavirus-faqs-can-i-go-running-is-food-shopping-too-risky-whats-herd-immunity