Changes In Exercise Habits Of Adults During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study explores the changes in exercise habits of college students during the Covid-19 pandemic. The focus is on how exercise plans changed before, during, and after the pandemic. A survey was conducted among 424 Salem State University undergraduate students to see the shifts in the type of workouts and frequency of exercising pre-, during, and post-pandemic. Results show that 61.21% of participants had to alter their exercise plan due to the pandemic. With many gyms and sports teams stopping during the pandemic, it led to a shift in which more people switched to cardio and weight lifting—not having as much equipment or any equipment forced people to change their old routines for exercise. Despite all the challenges during the pandemic, 51.1% of participants returned to their exercise routines from before the pandemic started. Of the individuals surveyed, 34.88% did not return to their regular routines, meaning they either found new routines during the pandemic or did not want to pick up their exercise habits where they last left them. This study focuses on how people can adapt and are determined when it comes to doing physical activity, no matter the challenges. This research shares strategies to promote exercise while sustaining both physical and mental health in case of other future uncertainties.