Social insulation during COVID-19: The importance of physical activity

Abstract

Concerns about the increasing spread of COVID-19 have raised and the global epidemic has led virtually all countries around the world to take quick protective measures. Staying at home against infection risks has been a key safety step that can limit the spread of infections to a wider population. However, this measure resulted in sedentary behaviors, such as playing games on the digital media, watching television, spending excessive time on mobile devices, and decreased physical activity. In this study, the following issues are addressed: importance of physical activity, which has a positive effect on health protection and immune system strengthening, anxiety, and depression reduction during the COVID-19 outbreak; informing people about the available opportunities to be active; the benefits of being active; the amount of activity one should do; and, how safe performing physical activity is. During the pandemic, it is vital to disseminate appropriate messages to encourage the public to engage in physical activity, and to provide information about the benefits of adopting an active lifestyle.