Impact of Covid19 on perceived barriers to practice physical activity in users of fitness centers in Spain

Abstract

This research intends to know the perceived barriers, as well as their predictor variables, in people who practice Physical Activity in fitness centers and were home confined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample was conformed of 8,087 physical activity practitioners. An online questionnaire was administered by email. A descriptive analysis of the perceived barriers was done, and logistic regression analysis to determine possible predictor variables. The most important perceived barriers were price and a lack of safety. Age, gender, the vigorous physical practice frequency and the observation of the WHO recommendations would be the predictor variables to a larger extend for the perceived barriers. The results are relevant for sport organizations to plan their services offer post lockdown.