Spaniards race out for 1st open-air exercise since mid-March

SF Gate ^ | 5/2/2020 | Joseph Wilson

[Signalman]

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Thousands of Spaniards woke early and laced up their sports shoes Saturday after a prohibition on outdoor exercise during the coronavirus pandemic ended after seven weeks.

Morning people dressed in athletic wear poured into the streets at 6 a.m. to run, bike, and speed walk, with many taking extra care to loosen up atrophied muscles so a twisted ankle or pulled hamstring wouldn't spoil the rush of release.

A few tried running with face masks despite the added difficulty breathing. Masks will be required on public transportation starting Monday to prevent infections from the virus that causes COVID-19, which has heavily affected Spain.

Despite slight trepidation and the physical challenge, Palomeque said she decided it was time to get moving again. She had grown tired of following Zumba and yoga classes online.

“Some people think it may be too early (to go out), as I do, but it is also important to do exercise for health reasons,” she said.

A brilliant sunny sky in Barcelona drew many to the maritime promenade to get as close as possible to the beach, which is still off-limits. People are supposed to respect a 2-meter distance, but the crowds in some spots made that impossible.

“We woke up very early so that we wouldn’t find it too full of people, but … it’s complicated,” Eduardo Conte, 37, said after a run along the Mediterranean beachfront. “I feel a rush (being back outside), but you have to take it easy so we don’t all end up with injuries.”

[butlerweave]

or just some Vit D

[MinorityRepublican]

For young Spaniards it is actually worse for them to stay inside because they are not getting Vitamin D and they’re getting fatter due to lack of exercise.

[neverevergiveup]

I love Barcelona..

[shanover]

I just wanted a Spanish chick pic! d:>)