Group exercise is a form of physical activity where multiple individuals participate in a workout led by an instructor. These exercises occur in fitness centers, sports clubs, or other spaces dedicated to sports activities. Group exercise is popular due to its numerous positive effects on physical and mental health. It provides motivation, fosters social interaction, and creates a dynamic and enjoyable environment.
During the covid-19 pandemic, group exercise was significantly affected due to the implementation of numerous restrictions and measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Sports facilities where group exercises were conducted operated under limitations most of the time or were even closed. With my master's thesis, I aimed to determine how this situation affected participants' exercise habits and their psychophysical health.
The study included 187 adults attending group exercise classes before the closure of sports facilities. We used a closed-ended questionnaire that, in addition to basic information about the participants and their exercise habits, also included their assessment of sports activity, physical abilities, psychophysical health, and experience of stress.
During the covid-19 movement restrictions, we observed a decline in the frequency of physical activity. Our assumptions about a reduction in physical abilities among participants over the age of 50 were proven correct. Participants rated their overall health as good, regardless of the frequency of physical activity. Our findings confirmed our predictions that participants were more susceptible to stress during the epidemic than before. Surprisingly, the comparison of stress levels based on the frequency of physical activity did not show statistically significant differences.
During the entire covid-19 period, they significantly impacted group exercises and participants. Despite numerous challenges, finding motivation for physical activity and considering ways to adapt to sports activities even in "different" times is necessary.
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