“Coronavirus: Obesity increases risks from Covid-19, experts say”
"Supporting people to achieve and maintain a healthy weight may reduce the severe effects of Covid-19 on the population, especially among vulnerable groups who are most affected by obesity” - Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England
THE HOGARTH IS HERE TO GET YOU MOVING AND KEEP YOU SAFE.
It has been a long time coming but finally we have reopened! We are excited to get back to doing what we love which is helping people feel better, fitter and stronger. We have made the gym super safe with lots of new measures to protect everyone whilst still getting you to your goals, watch our reopening video here.
As we adjust to the way we operate during the pandemic we are also keen to spot any further ways we can help. Public Health England (PHE) has published a report which has looked at the relationship between higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and COVID-19. The full PHE report suggests an increased risk of complications or death from COVID-19 for those who are overweight (BMI >25) or obese (BMI >30). These patients are more likely to be hospitalised and/or admitted to intensive care. Another study has shown obesity makes you 37% more likely to die from coronavirus.
As a health club we primarily offer the exercise part of the equation. We help our members create a balanced lifestyle and develop healthier, active habits in a comfortable and supportive location. Tennis, swimming, HIIT, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, 1- to-1 Personal Training and more is all included in membership at the Hogarth, so you can discover something you love that gets you moving. We have been helping members with their weight goals since we opened in 1981 so we are more than ready to help at this crucial time. Whilst the NHS simply uses BMI we can check other key indicators related to weight and risk. This includes waist to hip ratio, body fat percentage and visceral fat analysis. We can also identify further cardiovascular disease risk factors linked to worse outcomes with coronavirus such as hypertension or diabetes.
We will advise you on nutrition with tips on a healthy and above all energising diet. Our intake is the most important influence, but it goes much deeper than a calories in/out equation. To get to that point we realise it is tricky which is where we can help with the mental and emotional support too. If our whole environment is not addressed, often the diet and exercise will not remain robust enough over time.
It is a challenge that will be ongoing for us all. We will face new hurdles over time as we age, or our lifestyle changes or perhaps family circumstances evolve. The key to remember is that even if it is not easy it is doable. The Hogarth Club has always aimed to be an inclusive and welcoming place whatever your goals may be. The staff are experienced and willing to help you see progress. It is now more important than ever.
Weight management has always been a multi-pronged approach. It has been a tricky last four months to get through and most of us will come back to the gym needing to be patient to begin with. Allow yourself time to adjust to a new routine. The long-term change starts on day one, but consistency is key to seeing improvements and we are here to support you through it. The gym team can help set you up with a personal and appropriate programme. They will be fun too, trust me!
We are aware there are factors such as age and your ethnic background which cannot be modified. Socio-economic depravation is another disadvantage that correlates with greater health risks. The PHE report iterates the obesity rate amongst the most deprived groups is around 34% compared to the least deprived near 20%. We appreciate it is part of a historical and long-term battle of economic inequality and will need addressing over a prolonged period. The report also highlights that ethnic minority groups have also been adversely affected by the impact of the coronavirus.
However, we are here to help you limit threats and get towards a weight that can reduce your risks at this current time and beyond. Don’t forget that regular exercise will also boost your immune system. Not only will we always be here to help you see positive change we hope you get to enjoy it whilst doing so. If lockdown has highlighted anything it has been our mental health and the benefits exercise and socialising bring.
Come and see us and hopefully we get better together.
We have invested heavily in the club to make sure our members are safe and visitors feel protected, with frequent cleaning, a UV sanitising robot named Helios, a one way system, online booking to control capacity in some areas, glass screens where needed for ultimate safety, and much more.
Watch our reopening video below to see how we’ve made the club as safe as we can, and take a look at some of our facilities.
If you want to find out more about The Hogarth, or to book in for a personal tour, you can email enquiries@thehogarth.co.uk or call 020 3504 0580