With the COVID-19 vaccination rates going up, we could soon see the return of sporting events and other long-missed activities! In the United States (depending on the state's criteria), the vaccination process covers health personnel, 60-65+ individuals or younger people with chronic diseases. Texas has just added the 50+ phase.
Three vaccines are currently offered in the US, two RNA-based and one Adenovirus-based. All have demonstrated excellent levels of protection against severe disease or death caused by COVID-19 infection.
Except for people with a history of anaphylaxis or allergies, the components of the vaccine, almost all people can safely receive the shots.
The CDC just has updated its guidelines to indicate that fully vaccinated individuals can gather indoors or outdoors without masks with other fully vaccinated individuals.
This is a big step in the fight against COVID-19 and moves us one step closer to lifting more restrictions. The vaccine allows us to safely gather and socialize with other people and reduces the mortality rate of COVID-19.
With these new guidelines, senior or master group/class/team workouts could safely resume. It includes almost any sport with a senior/master division, swimming, yoga, tai-chi, pilates classes, basketball, cycling, etc.
A few years ago, I wrote a blog titled The Brotherhood/Sisterhood of Sport" and highlighted the necessity of human beings to participate in groups/gangs/fraternities. I explained the internal chemicals that these types of community experiences produce and the benefits we can enjoy from participating in these kinds of group activities.
After almost a year, we all need more contact with other people. A lot of people have experienced "burnout" or mental distress over the last 14 months. Resuming the practice of sports could improve some of the symptoms of mental distress.
Getting vaccinated if you are in the target group or promoting vaccination if you aren't yet eligible would increase the speed with which we can return to full in-person sports and social activities.
The return to races, parties, classes, working out with others is a dream that could finally come true in the next few months if everyone gets vaccinated.
Talk to your doctor if you think you have a condition or questions about vaccines. If you haven't yet been vaccinated, go sign up for a shot as soon you are eligible.
Talk to your coach about the possibility of signing up in a group with fully vaccinated athletes. This community of vaccinated athletes is growing daily!
Manuel Delgado Gaona is a USAT Level II and Youth & Junior Coach, FMTri Level II Certified Coach, an ACSM Exercise Physiologist, and a Physician specializing in Anatomic Pathology. His coaching philosophy is based on exercise efficiency. Coach Manuel can be reached at manuel@teammpi.com.
Comments