ABSTRACT
COVID-19 rendered the availability of exercise facilities sporadic and online exercise programs subsequently became more common. This research explored online exercise classes delivered to older adults during the pandemic from the perspective of service providers. Sixty-seven service providers completed the survey (88% female). The majority (54%) of respondents had worked in the fitness industry for greater than 10 years, and 66% were fitness class instructors, while fewer were managers (9%) and personal trainers (8%). Three participants had experience providing online exercise classes prior to the pandemic, while 43 more had experience providing online exercise classes since the pandemic began. Of these 46 service providers, 87% offered classes live through Zoom. The majority (64%) offered classes through an organization, and 61% charged a fee for participants to take part. The most common type of class was a general fitness class (63%), followed by yoga and flexibility classes (39%), and strength training (17%). Regarding equipment used, weights were most frequently required (69%), followed by resistance bands (49%) and mats (44%). Most classes lasted 40–60 minutes (59%) and were low intensity (74%). Of the 21 respondents who did not provide online exercise classes, 43% indicated this was because of a lack of interest, and 19% cited not knowing how to use technology to deliver classes online, though most (71%) indicated they would consider offering online classes in the future. This research reveals the adaptability of service providers and may serve to inform the continued development of online exercise programs for older adults.
ABSTRACT
Engaging in physical activity can bring health benefits for older adults. However, during the pandemic the availability of in-person exercise classes has been sporadic. As such, online exercise programs have become more common. This research had the goal of exploring the uptake of online exercise programs by older adults in Manitoba, Canada in the first few months in the pandemic and then more than 1.5 years into the pandemic. Older adults (65 years and older) were recruited via emails from a variety of community organizations. Participants completed anonymous online surveys in summer 2020 (n=678) and fall 2021 (n=570). Less than 50% of respondents reported participating in online exercise classes during the pandemic in both surveys. For both surveys, pre-recorded classes were the most common, however, this decreased from 80% in the first survey, to 57% in the second survey. Conversely, live classes where the instructor could see the participants increased from 17% in the 2020 survey, to 47% in the 2021 survey. Additionally, platform use shifted from YouTube as the most popular in the first survey, to Zoom in the second survey. Most of the online classes originated from their local communities. Of those who participated in online exercise early and later in the pandemic, about two thirds reported that they would continue online exercise classes outside of the pandemic. A major reason for not participating was because they enjoy the social aspect of in-person classes. The perspectives of the study participants will be valuable for policymakers, programmers, and instructors.