COVID-19 - We Are Undefeatable

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, protecting the nation’s health is everyone’s highest priority, and we in particular are focused on keeping those with long term health conditions safe and well.

While government guidance is being continually updated, it currently recommends that:

In general it is advised that, in addition to the national or local restrictions that may be in place, everyone should practice ‘social distancing’, washes hands regularly for 20 seconds, and wears a face covering in indoor locations including shops, supermarkets and on public transport (unless exempt) in order to limit the spread of COVID-19
Those who are considered extremely vulnerable may be advised to ‘shield’ and will receive a written shielding notification from the government. If you’re considered to be at a higher risk you should follow social distancing practices especially carefully and minimise contact with others.Full guidance can be found here
Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or who believes they may have it, should ‘self-isolate' along with the people they live or have been in direct contact with for 10 days. Full information available here

We Are Undefeatable has always recognised that everyone’s conditions affect them differently. We also believe that being active is one way for people to support their wellbeing and quality of life, in addition to helping manage their physical and mental health. It can also be a wonderful way to stay connected with friends and family, either in person or virtually.

As we continue to navigate the changes to our routines due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to focus on the things that we can do to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. There will be ups and downs, of course – and moving more when you can is still just as important as accepting when you can’t. But no matter what level of activity you find you can manage, it is still very much worth celebrating.

Keep reading to find out how you can safely be active during this time, and for links to specific resources from our charity partners.

Individual support for your condition

Many of the UK’s leading charities have come together to create We Are Undefeatable, and each recognises that you may require support specifically related to your condition at this time.

For condition specific advice and information from each of our charity partners, simply click on their logo.

FAQs for getting active

There are many ways to keep moving while following the current government guidance. The NHS advises staying active by doing light exercises. These can be done either at home or outside, on your own, with members of your household and support bubble. You can do unlimited exercise outdoors during the new national lockdown measures.

Some of the exercises that are particularly recommended are those that build or maintain strength. These include traditional exercises like yoga, body weight work-outs, or using resistance bands or weights. They also include activities that can be built into your daily routine, like gardening, lifting shopping bags, or even lifting and carrying children. Working on maintaining strength can be as simple as standing up and sitting down repeatedly or engaging in seated exercises that allow you to build arm and shoulder strength. Take a look at our Getting Started page for hints and tips and to download our printable planners and exercise poster.

If you have a private garden or outdoor space you can still get active and play games with people in your household and support bubble while enjoying some fresh air. However, you cannot meet people in a private garden who are outside of your household during the national lockdown. .

Whether indoors or outside, many ways to get moving have the added benefit of being relaxing and good for your mental wellbeing. Whether practicing Tai Chi or simply dancing in the kitchen (or even in a virtual dance party), there are a variety of ways to move that can boost both physical and mental health. Check out ‘Ways to Move’ for inspiration.
If you fall into the extremely vulnerable category, you’re advised to continue to look after your mental and physical health, including by staying active if possible, being mindful of the hygiene and contact measures outlined by the government guidance; Hands.Space.Face. and only get active with people in your household.

As and when you feel you can, there are many ways you can move within the home or outdoors whilst adhering to strict social distancing guidelines, depending on your preferences and ability. You may find following home workout videos helpful – there are many online, covering everything from Pilates to dancing to chair based exercises. Happily, many resources are free and don’t require kit or equipment, so you can try out different activities until you find one you enjoy.

Additionally, while you may not be able to physically meet people, there are ways you can be active while staying connected to people. Some exercise classes of all ability levels are streamed live through apps and websites so you can do them at the same time as family and friends. You can also create your own opportunities to stay in touch while being active, whether you’re calling a friend while moving around the home or dialing into a video conference to try out a routine with friends. See how virtual teams made a difference to our Team Undefeatable walking football and dance team.
If you are self-isolating you are advised to look after your wellbeing as far as your symptoms permit. The most important thing is attending to your mental and physical health.

You can engage in light exercise if you feel well enough to do so in private indoor or outdoor spaces you have access to (i.e. a balcony or a garden). Any activities you do must be done alone or with those in your household. That said, there are ways you can connect with others while staying apart, like over the phone or online, which you could use to get moving with friends and family remotely.

Ideas on how to be active in your home or garden, if and when you feel well enough. For ideas on how to be active in your home or garden, if and when you feel well enough see our Ways To Move page.

Supporting you during COVID-19

Individual support for your condition

FAQs for getting active

How can I keep active when spending more time at home?

How can I stay active if I am currently choosing or asked to shield?

How can I stay active if I’m self-isolating?