Exercise role in improving the immune system and physical fitness during Corona pandemic period and associated exercise guidelines

A novel virus that expanded globally from China known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on the pandemic and fast spreading characteristics of corona virus (COVID-19), it causes concerns for elderly individuals and those with chronic diseases. To lower the chances of spreading the coronavirus, and preventing the social and economic burden, most of the credible medical centers and organizations have recommended social distancing and isolations. Disclosure of gyms and sport centers and isolation has resulted in inactivity in different individuals. The corona virus disease has led to challenges for keeping the active lifestyle and it can induce some diseases due to inactivity such as obesity metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes), cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases that can increase hospital referral. Since this is a novel disease and although the effects of regular exercise on it has not been investigated yet, exercise and active lifestyle through increasing energy expenditure, body metabolism, and improving physical and psychological fitness can result in increasing health, reducing virus infection and in the case of having the corona disease it helps a quicker recovery. Since, corona disease influences on the immune and cardiorespiratory system and the person’s physical fitness can be effective in tolerating the disease side effects, this article expands on the effects of regular exercise on immune system, viral infections (inflammation), cardiorespiratory system and physical fitness and at the end presents exercise guidelines for different populations.