ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND EXERCISE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN LAFIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

BY

ALU TIMOTHY ELIYA, Ph.D

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE, ISA MUSTAPHA AGWAI 1 POLYTECHNIC, LAFIA,   NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this fast-moving world, Nigeria and Nasarawa State to a standstill. The impact of this pandemic is massive as its imposed lockdown resulted in the closure of institutions and business activities, public places, fitness and activity centres as well as overall social life. It has also hampered many aspects of the lives of people including routine fitness activities of fitness freaks, which has resulted in various psychological issues and serious fitness and health challenges. This paper focused on the unique experiences of fitness freaks during the period of lockdown due to COVID-19. The paper also explored ways in which alternate exercises and fitness activities at home would help to deal with psychological issues and physical health consequences. To achieve this, a structured questionnaire was developed and conducted on 20 gymnasts who were regularly working out in the gymnasium before the COVID-19 pandemic but stayed at home during the nationwide lockdown. The findings of this study revealed that the participants had a negative situational perception, lack of motivation for fitness exercise, psychological health concerns and overdependence on social media in spending their free time. The researchers recommended regular physical fitness workout at home during the lockdown to curb any psychological issues and fitness challenges.

Keywords:  Physical Fitness, Exercise, COVID-19