Exercise and COVID-19: reasons individuals sought coaching support to assist them to increase physical activity during COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: This paper explores the experiences of individuals who reported substantially decreasing physical activity (PA) as a result of COVID-19 and sought coaching support to increase PA. Methods: A qualitative study using phenomenological analysis. Eight individuals participated in semi-structured interviews that focused on their experiences of decreasing PA as a result of physical distancing measures, and why they sought PA coaching to overcome these issues. Responses were analysed thematically. Results: The participants reported markedly decreasing their PA following the enactment of physical distancing measures. The inability to subsequently engage in regular PA was a source of frustration for participants. Interview analysis revealed two themes that contributed to the understanding of why these individuals felt they needed PA coaching to increase PA; namely, a desire for both listening support and PA self-regulation support. Conclusion: The individuals who decreased PA due to COVID-19 desired an autonomysupportive counselling style, centred on listening support and self-regulatory support. Online PA interventions were not highlighted as strategies to overcome PA barriers. Implications for public health: The effect of physical distancing measures on the det