The Changing of Physical Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Indonesian People Exercise More?

Abstract

Exercise, a subcategory of physical activity, has been proven to have significant health benefits for people. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has limited people physical activities by restricting outdoor activities. This study aims to analyze how COVID-19 influences people’s exercise habits. Using an online survey, we obtained data from 320 Indonesians who are currently exercising. The result shows the good effect of COVID-19 on people’s exercise habits. Almost half of the participants who already exercise before COVID-19 pandemic increase their intensity and performance, one of four participants decreased their performance, while one of three participants did not change their exercise behavior. Moreover, COVID-19 pandemic also provided good effect on people’s exercise since 1 of 5 participants who did not exercise before started exercising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining immune system function becomes the main reason people exercise intensively or even start making this habit. The COVID-19 pandemic can be a good momentum to promote exercising as a part of a healthy lifestyle. However, health protocols to prevent coronavirus spread must be strengthened.