The connection between physical activity, the brain, and overall well-being during COVID-19
Being physically active is as good for the mind as it is for the body. In fact, the BC Provincial Health Authority recommends that people stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic to help support overall well-being. In this webinar, we will explore the role that different types of physical activity play in improving stamina, resilience, sleep, cognitive function, and how we feel and think in our everyday lives. Learn how physical activity affects the brain and helps us manage stress and trauma. Discover professional approaches to starting or maintaining a physically active lifestyle in this time of physical distancing, uncertainty and seasonal change.
Moderated by Kathryn Gretsinger, MJ’06, Associate Professor of Teaching, UBC School of Journalism, Writing & Media; Director, Global Reporting Centre; Journalist; Senior Faculty Advisor to the UBC President.
Presented in partnership with UBC Faculty of Medicine and UBC School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education.
This is the tenth webinar in our COVID-19 series.
Recorded November 16, 2020.
Speakers
Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, BSc’94, MSc’98, PhD’04 – Professor, Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity, Mobility, and Cognitive Neuroscience, UBC Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine; Lead of the Physical Activity for Precision Health Research Cluster
Dr. Eli Puterman, MA’04, PhD’09 – Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Health, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar, UBC School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education; Co-Lead of the Physical Activity for Precision Health Research Cluster
Exercise Websites
- Workout Blender (free version; paid version)
- Down Dog
- Make Your Body Work
- Classpass
- Rhythm and Motion Dance Workout
- HAS Fit (Heart and Soul Fitness)
- Well Workouts (NY Times)
- Cosmic Kids
Exercise Apps (no weights required; variety of workouts)
- Down Dog (HIIT, Barre, Yoga)
- Nike Training Club
- Adidas Training
- 8 Fit
UBC Recreation Resources
- UBC Recreation’s Get Active at Home Page
- UBCO Recreation’s Get Active Page
- UBC Ergonomics
- Quick read on how to stay active at home
- Instagram Live Movement Sessions led by the Move U Crew every Thursdays at 2pm (@ubcrec)
Articles, Webinars, Websites
- UBC Physical Activity for Precision Health Research Cluster
- Weight training may fix age-related ‘potholes’ in brain’s highways (CBC)
- COVID-19 Series: The Importance of Exercise During a Pandemic (Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health)
- 20+ Ways to Boost Your Brain Power (Reader’s Digest Canada)
- Consistency is Key to Maintaining a Healthy Brain (Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute)
- Walking can reduce memory loss in seniors, study says (CBC)
- Circuit Train Your Brain (AARP)
- World Health Organization (#HealthyAtHome – Physical Activity)
Supported by:
Please support the UBC President’s Pandemic Recovery Initiative
The effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic have been immediate and far-reaching—but together we can support each other and quickly adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. As a world-leading research university with a deep commitment to our students, we find ourselves in a position of strength to meet the challenges brought on by the pandemic. UBC is responding to the situation by creating the UBC President’s Pandemic Recovery Initiative, which encompasses funds to provide emergency relief for students and accelerate advanced research. Please join others in the UBC community as we face this immense challenge head on by contributing to one of the two opportunities if you can. With your help, we can get through this—together.