Sport and exercise in times of self-quarantine: How Germans changed their behaviour at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic

Due to the massive spread of a new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), many European governments enacted rules and legislations in order to reduce social interactions and contain the spread of the virus. German authorities put in force a lockdown of all non-essential infrastructure, starting on 22 March 2020. These policies included the closing of sports clubs, fitness centres and community sports grounds. Most federal states prohibited social gatherings of more than two people, thereby further restricting opportunities to play sport and exercise together. The paper addresses how Germans adapted their leisure time sport and exercise (LTSE) activities in this unprecedented situation. Based on survey data representing the adult population (> 14 years,N=1001, data collection 27 March to 6 April 2020), the paper shows a significant decline in LTSE activities at population level. Overall, 31% of Germans reduced their LTSE, while 27% maintained and 6% intensified their LTSE level. A share of 36% was not engaged in LTSE, either before or at the beginning of the lockdown. Younger age groups were more likely to maintain LTSE levels compared with older ones. Comparisons of 'reducers' and 'maintainers/ intensifiers' indicate that the latter group increased home-based workouts and outdoor endurance sports, while 'reducers' did not find adequate substitutes for their sporting routines.

Automated summary

During the lockdown period in Germany, there was a significant decline in leisure time sport and exercise activities, with 31% of Germans reducing their level of activities, 27% maintaining, and 6% intensifying. 36% of the population did not engage in leisure time sport and exercise either before or during the lockdown, with younger age groups more likely to maintain their activity levels compared to older ones. Comparisons between those who reduced their activities and those who maintained or intensified showed that the latter group increased home-based workouts and outdoor endurance sports.