Recently, have you noticed that our media keep referring to a “V-shaped” recovery? Otherwise known a sharp rise and back to a previous peak. There is also the much more realistic “K-shaped” recovery. Where some segments climb back upwards while others continue to suffer. If illustrated, the divergent growth would roughly resemble the two diverging diagonal lines of the letter "K". So that is what we use to describe an economic recovery – what about if we apply this principle to coming out of lockdown. What if we gave ourselves the best possible chance to be at the top of the two diverging diagonal lines of the “K” i.e., the one with the greatest recovery.

So, for a relatively healthy person, what changes when we come out of lockdown? Answer: it is actually not as much as you may first think; partly because we have become accustomed to it and adapted; and partly because the government has planned the exit in a very measured way, slowly.

I have read several articles on getting ready to come out of lockdown, the positive things you should do or prepare yourself for. I agree, you should absolutely be putting your best self forward by:

1. Eating nutrient rich foods

2. Exercising often

3. Sleeping well

4. Exposing to natural sunlight and fresh air

5. Maintaining adequate hydration

6. Reducing inactivity

That is literally it, take that list to your grave, lockdown, or no lockdown! The next time you go to your GP, if she/he has not asked you for status on at least 3 of the above before prescribing then please change doctors ASAP.

Awesome, that is all of the common sense good stuff but coming out of lockdown presents us with another challenge; one that has not been explored in any great detail in the media. TEMPTATION & CHOICES!!!

If, like me, you have been relatively healthy throughout the pandemic and not suffered too much of a dip, then you are about to experience a different set of “Gotchas” when you begin to take steps to ease out of lockdown. First and foremost, the DYNAMICS change.

If you have been healthy throughout the pandemic, then these are the 3 areas that will have the greatest impact post lockdown if not managed carefully:

Food and alcohol consumption

How does the Dynamic change?

For the first time in a long time; you will be served by a waiter, suggested to, and cajoled by friends and associates into consuming more alcohol and highly processed foods. It will obviously be more difficult to say no then when in lockdown and if you drink more, I will bet you’ll eat more too.

Strategy for an Upper K post lockdown curve:

• Control the diary by scheduling and limiting the number of times you are prepared to put yourself in that position where you relinquish some control.

• Prepare for it – skip a meal before the restaurant meal, look up the menu for healthy choices.

• Tell your dinner guests your intentions from the outset, this will reduce peer pressure. (Risk factor: you may need to replace a small number of friends).

Gym

How does the Dynamic change?

If you are like me then training at home has not been too bad, sure it is tough to hit personal records with limited weights and equipment, but you will be surprised how much can be achieved (minimal strength lost). So, what changes when the gyms open? EVERYTHING…. I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck just thinking about walking into a fully equipped gym with music, lights, and everyone in lycra! Ok seriously, it’s the full range of equipment, watching others around you train which normalises the experience, and that sense of community – everyone has gym mates.

Strategy for an Upper K post lockdown curve:

• Enjoy the hell out of it, the feeling of walking into the gym, smile, no one has seen each other in a while, what better chance to be friendly.

• Progress moderately, using equipment you have not used in 6 months is not a licence to hit a personal best on your first lift session, there is a high susceptibility to injury. I usually recommend 3 weeks of progressive overloading before returning to a set point where I can comfortably train hard and not cause injury. (Risk Factor: remember an injury is like lockdown without being able to train at home!).

• Remember gym etiquette, making space for others and sharing equipment that you have not had to for 6 months – this all requires adjusting, be nice!

Disposable Income

How does the Dynamic change?

This one has more to do indirectly with your mental health and psychology. Everyone has a different set of financial circumstances that they have lived through during the pandemic. Most have had to live on reduced incomes or change occupations to adapt. When the lockdown measures are eased, the economy will open up to consumers to spend in areas where they have been limited to / prohibited from, during the pandemic.

Strategy for an Upper K post lockdown curve:

• Do not be a mindless consumer, be very mindful of what you are buying if it was not available during the pandemic as this will reduce your disposable income further if it is not a substitute.

• Be mindful of any changes to your income when coming out of lockdown – if it increases then make sure you are not spending more than the increase or at least maintain current levels.

• Continue habits acquired during lockdown especially if they cost less e.g., delivery of fresh food rather than a supermarket outing with more temptation may be of benefit or a walk to the farmers market on Saturday morning.

• Prioritise spending on your health, start with the “Take it to your grave” list of 6 previously mentioned. Any spending which encourages better eating, exercise, and recovery is a no-brainer. It is simply an investment in the most important person on planet earth……You!