The ‘new normal’ in physical activity and health: Pandemics and uberization?

Abstract

Physical activity plays a relevant role in the Public Health agenda and was often resorted to during the Covid-19 pandemic. This essay discusses the ‘new normal’ in physical activity and health, the existence of two pandemics – physical inactivity and Covid-19 – and the perspective of the uberization process. The practice of physical activities must be expanded but with caution about the discourse on having an active life above and despite everything. On the other hand, uberization, if confirmed, will probably cause negative impacts on workers and Physical Education professionals/teachers without guaranteeing that expansion. Finally, the ‘new normal,’ analytically situated until June 2020, reinforces the need to reduce health inequalities in order to expand possibilities for building healthy lifestyles in which physical activity will be included.