How to Practice Sport while Social Distancing

Sophie G. examines the possibilities of maintaining sports and fitness routines while following social distancing norms.

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many sports enthusiasts have been forced to stay home. Because of various restrictions and lockdown policies, the closest you can get to practising sport has been rooftop fitness, fitness apps, home games, or participating in fantasy sports on sports sites such as Sports Pundit.

However, things are changing, with governments rolling out relaxations to restrictions on outdoor life. Moreover, it looks like it may be many more months before the coronavirus subsides, so you should wait until it is all over to resume practising your favourite sport. In this respect, the best thing is to find ways to keep active and pursue your sporting passions without compromising your or others' safety.

Choose Distance-maintaining Sports

One of the best ways to participate in active sports and maintain social distancing is to play cricket. It is the only major game that can be played with the standard number of people in each team and still not require any two people to come into close physical contact. However, players must sanitise their hands regularly as their hands can come in frequent contact with the ball. Tennis is another possibility. Since it is a game where the players stay at either end of the court, there is no risk of physical contact with other players.

Even though touching the ball can still be risky, the players can safely play if they thoroughly wash or sanitise their hands before playing and avoid touching their faces. Another sport you can play while maintaining social distancing is golf, though players should wear gloves when they handle rakes or flags. You can increase the safety margin by using your equipment instead of shared or hired gear. Similarly, other sports, such as kayaking or cycling, offer ample possibilities for maintaining social distancing.

Protein Supplements Are Easily Digested

Today, the best way to get the necessary protein for building muscle is by consuming it in a natural and healthy diet.

Consuming this type of supplement is beneficial because the human body quickly digests it, and we do not need to worry about it getting converted into fat.

Form Smaller Teams

Players can also practice other sports while following social distancing norms by reducing the number of players in their teams. This will be especially helpful with informal sessions of indoor games such as basketball and volleyball, though they can never claim as much distance between players as in a game of cricket, for example. An additional advantage of cricket is that all batting team members do not need to be on the pitch simultaneously.

However, involving fewer players, eliminating large crowds, and providing more distance between players will help any sport. Choosing a larger area for indoor sports or moving outdoors can further increase safety.

Adjust Timings in Facilities

Currently, sports facilities, clubs, and gyms are closed in many parts of the world. However, they are gradually opening up as governments recognise the importance of these businesses for the economy, not to mention the health and well-being of the general population. This is good news for the many people who depend on gyms and clubs to pursue their sport.

To reduce crowding, you can choose to visit a facility at a time when there are likely to be fewer people. Facility managers should also spread the total number of attendees across all operating hours by restricting the number of hours for every individual. It will help reduce the total number of users at any given time. Additionally, regular disinfection of all shared equipment is essential.

Try Solo Activities

COVID-19 is also the perfect time to try solo activities such as long-distance running or cycling. These activities have almost zero chances of physical contact with another person. You can even try activities such as bouldering or hiking. Remember to choose less crowded areas and paths when walking or jogging in your local area.

Final Thoughts

The COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed our lives and routines, meaning that many people do not get regular exercise, let alone actively participate in sports. To many, sports and games are ways to maintain their fitness and an essential part of their social life. The pandemic has disrupted this, but governments are gradually relaxing restrictions to allow public sports, starting with those involving less physical contact.

Eventually, other forms of sports will also be allowed. Once facilities are open and restrictions are lifted, you must be cautious and protect your health as you jump into sports again. You should assess the safety of each activity before taking the plunge, considering factors such as the number of players involved, the distance possible between participants, and the level of contact between players.

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

Sophie G. (2020) How to Practice Sport while Social Distancing [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article599.htm [Accessed

About the Author

Sophie G. is the Content Head of Fat Free Productions.


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With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many sports enthusiasts have been forced to stay home. Because of various restrictions and lockdown policies, the closest you can get to practising sport has been rooftop fitness, fitness apps, home games, or participating in fantasy sports on sports sites such as Sports Pundit. However, things are changing, with governments rolling out relaxations to restrictions on outdoor life. Moreover, it looks like it may be many more months before the coronavirus subsides, so you should wait until it is all over to resume practising your favourite sport. In this respect, the best thing is to find ways to keep active and pursue your sporting passions without compromising your or others' safety. Choose Distance-maintaining Sports One of the best ways to participate in active sports and maintain social distancing is to play cricket. It is the only major game that can be played with the standard number of people in each team and still not require any two people to come into close physical contact. However, players must sanitise their hands regularly as their hands can come in frequent contact with the ball. Tennis is another possibility. Since it is a game where the players stay at either end of the court, there is no risk of physical contact with other players. Even though touching the ball can still be risky, the players can safely play if they thoroughly wash or sanitise their hands before playing and avoid touching their faces. Another sport you can play while maintaining social distancing is golf, though players should wear gloves when they handle rakes or flags. You can increase the safety margin by using your equipment instead of shared or hired gear. Similarly, other sports, such as kayaking or cycling, offer ample possibilities for maintaining social distancing. Protein Supplements Are Easily Digested Today, the best way to get the necessary protein for building muscle is by consuming it in a natural and healthy diet. Consuming this type of supplement is beneficial because the human body quickly digests it, and we do not need to worry about it getting converted into fat. Form Smaller Teams Players can also practice other sports while following social distancing norms by reducing the number of players in their teams. This will be especially helpful with informal sessions of indoor games such as basketball and volleyball, though they can never claim as much distance between players as in a game of cricket, for example. An additional advantage of cricket is that all batting team members do not need to be on the pitch simultaneously. However, involving fewer players, eliminating large crowds, and providing more distance between players will help any sport. Choosing a larger area for indoor sports or moving outdoors can further increase safety. Adjust Timings in Facilities Currently, sports facilities, clubs, and gyms are closed in many parts of the world. However, they are gradually opening up as governments recognise the importance of these businesses for the economy, not to mention the health and well-being of the general population. This is good news for the many people who depend on gyms and clubs to pursue their sport. To reduce crowding, you can choose to visit a facility at a time when there are likely to be fewer people. Facility managers should also spread the total number of attendees across all operating hours by restricting the number of hours for every individual. It will help reduce the total number of users at any given time. Additionally, regular disinfection of all shared equipment is essential. Try Solo Activities COVID-19 is also the perfect time to try solo activities such as long-distance running or cycling. These activities have almost zero chances of physical contact with another person. You can even try activities such as bouldering or hiking. Remember to choose less crowded areas and paths when walking or jogging in your local area. Final Thoughts The COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed our lives and routines, meaning that many people do not get regular exercise, let alone actively participate in sports. To many, sports and games are ways to maintain their fitness and an essential part of their social life. The pandemic has disrupted this, but governments are gradually relaxing restrictions to allow public sports, starting with those involving less physical contact. Eventually, other forms of sports will also be allowed. Once facilities are open and restrictions are lifted, you must be cautious and protect your health as you jump into sports again. You should assess the safety of each activity before taking the plunge, considering factors such as the number of players involved, the distance possible between participants, and the level of contact between players. Page Reference If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is: Sophie G. (2020) How to Practice Sport while Social Distancing [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article599.htm [Accessed About the Author Sophie G. is the Content Head of Fat Free Productions.