Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake, Giang Vo Lake and the Red River have attracted a large number of people wanting to do exercise after gyms and parks were closed in the city for Covid-19 prevention.

Hundreds of people go to Hoan Kiem Lake to walk, run and cycle from 5 to 7 am. Groups of cyclists take over the streets and some pavements.

People walk and cycle around the Hoan Kiem Lake

Giang Vo Lake has also become a gathering place for people to exercise and practise yoga despite warning signs, while dozens of people gather along the Red River to swim.

By Giang Vo Lake

 Doing exercises on pedestrian overpasses and pedestrian subways

 However, many people have found ways to exercises from home. Pham Lan, a yoga instructor, has opened an online course and work from the altar room at her house. "I used to have five to six classes a day. Now I only teach one to three online classes. But it's safer for me and other people," she said.

 Doing exercises online

Le Van Tuan from Ba Dinh District said, "I used to exercise outdoor with my club. But for the past year, I have got used to live streaming with others. We even attract more people exercising. I can help more with taking care of the kids and house chores too."

A woman does exercises on her balcony

Since the start of the pandemic, more and more people can be seen exercising on their balcony, porch or only go out when there is no one else.