Exercise changes and challenges across two lockdowns in England: A mixed-methods exploratory study

Abstract

While physical activity has been extensively positively associated with physical and mental health, evidence indicates that some individuals have struggled to maintain sufficient exercise levels during the recent Covid-19 lockdowns. Using a mixed-methods design, this study aimed to characterise the features of lockdown-related physical activity and exercise behaviour changes and explore the challenges that people faced during these periods. Adult participants (N=163) who had experienced both the first and second formal lockdowns in England in 2020 were recruited to take part in an online survey. The questionnaire included demographic questions, measures of physical activity and resilience, and four open-ended questions about challenges and changes in physical activity over lockdown. Results indicated that younger adults were more likely to have reduced their activity over lockdown than others and that commonly reported challenges to exercise included logistical, motivational and time-related difficulties. Strategies to accommodate these challenges often relied on technology. Implications for future interventions are discussed.