Survey: 37% of Latvians admit that less sports during Covid-19 – Health

More than one in three or 37% of the surveyed Latvians have admitted that they have decreased the amount of physical activity during Covid-19, while young people aged 18 to 24 have become particularly sedentary since the beginning of Covid-19, of which 46% are currently physically active. the amount is smaller than before, concluded in the data of BENU Pharmacy Stress Thermometer, obtained in cooperation with the company GEMIUS.

In 16% of the respondents, the amount of physical activity increased during Covid-19, in 43% it did not change, but in 4% it was not possible to give a specific answer. Following calls from public health authorities to go outdoors, 25% of respondents said they had been in the fresh air more often than before since the start of Covid-19 (10% significantly more often, 15% slightly more often), and 46% had not changed their time in the fresh air. , but 26% stay in the fresh air less than before.

More sedentary – young people and men

The amount of physical activity during Covid-19 has increased by 20% for women, while for men it is 12%. There is also a greater reduction in physical activity among men – 41% of the surveyed men have admitted that they have been less physically active since the beginning of Covid-19, while among women this answer was given by 33%. Men also spend less time in the fresh air – 31% of men say that they go to the fresh air less often than before during Covid-19, while among women this figure is 23%.

Analyzing the data by age, it can be concluded that Covid-19 has had the greatest impact on the proportion of young people’s physical activity – 46% of young people aged 18 to 24 have admitted that they are currently less physically active than before. It is also worrying that in this population group, 35% of respondents have been in the fresh air less since the beginning of Covid-19, while in other age groups this decrease is in the range of 10-13%.

For mental health – movement and fresh air

One of the founders of the CrossFit movement in Latvia, coach Kaspars Zlidnis reminds that nature, fresh air and movement are the best solutions against depression and depression. An active one-hour walk in the woods, along the sea or in a city park helps to organize the nervous, metabolic and circulatory systems. The movement creates joy and an inner sense of freedom, despite the current restrictions. It should be borne in mind that prolonged inactivity can cause both mental health problems and physical health problems, such as obesity, muscle weakness, and severe joint and back pain. While the gym is closed, K. Zlidnis calls to use every opportunity to move both at home and outdoors, for example, running, exercising, stretching and spending days as actively and dynamically as possible.

Will there be a “beach season” boom this year?

With the onset of spring and warmer weather, the amount of physical activity could increase again as outdoor stadiums, sports fields and outdoor exercise machines become more accessible. Also, every year at least some people perceive spring as a time to start intensively preparing for the beach season. At the same time, K. Zlidnis reminds that disproportionate overload and pursuit of fast results, thinking only about the appearance, leads to additional stress, as well as can cause injuries and heart overload. It should be noted that the body is not immediately ready for such an effort.

The expert reminds that it is recommended to organize everyday life so that physical activity is a regular part of it. A healthy and physically active lifestyle is the key to strengthening not only the body, but also mental endurance and emotional well-being!

The survey was conducted in cooperation with the Internet research company GEMIUS, surveying 1,713 respondents at the end of January.

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