Social media and inspiring physical activity during COVID-19 and beyond

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted sport and events greatly with a shutdown of leagues and the postponement of events like the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. However, new media technologies, such as social media platforms, have provided an avenue for sport organisations and athletes to continue to engage with their consumers and promote physical activity during the absence of live sport. New media technologies allow organisations and individuals to share user-generated content and facilitate interactivity. This commentary intends to stimulate discussion, interest and research on whether social media could be used as a platform to inspire physical activity and sport participation and what strategies may be successful in engaging with consumers. Olympic sport and the campaigns National Olympic Committees have engaged in during lockdown are the focus of this piece. It is hoped that this piece provides a starting point for future research focusing on the adoption of new media technologies, like social media, to engage with and inspire people to become more active and involved in sport.

Second Wave of COVID-19 Global Pandemic and Athletes’ Confinement: Recommendations to Better Manage and Optimize the Modified Lifestyle

“…Hence, it is recommended that athletes: Maintain their physical activity as effectively as possible [ 12 , 20 , 44 , 45 ]; Take advantage of confinement-induced lack of competitions to emphasize and focus on their weaker physical and mental attributes [ 12 , 20 , 45 ]; Use available structures and equipment (e.g., stairs, furniture) to work on balance and resistance training (using body mass and implements to train for strength, power, and endurance). Multiple free videos are available online posted across several social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram [ 9 ]. For an example, see [ 46 ]; [ 47 ]; Train two sessions per day, maintaining three hours between the two sessions.…”

“…Use available structures and equipment (e.g., stairs, furniture) to work on balance and resistance training (using body mass and implements to train for strength, power, and endurance). Multiple free videos are available online posted across several social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram [ 9 ]. For an example, see [ 46 ]; [ 47 ];…”

“…During the more restrictive, limited, and socially isolated training, athletes must be conscious of their safety, maintain stable physical and mental conditions, and be prepared for the resumption of regular training in their clubs. With this in mind, through new media technologies, such as social media platforms [ 9 ], several researchers and coaches have formulated specific recommendations and have proposed home training programs to maintain the physical condition of the general population [ 10 ], as well as contain, assist, and make the return to practice as easy and secure as possible for all elite and non-elite athletes [ 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

How the sharing physical activity experience on social network sites(SNS) improves residents’ social connectedness during isolation: the multiple mediating effects of positive self-presentation and positive feedback

“…For example, the Australian Olympic Committee encourages residents to participate in physical activities at home through SNS, and invites professional athletes to provide suggestions and demonstrations for home-based exercise by producing and disseminating a series of home sports videos, which will be released on multiple social media platforms [20]. Some scholars believe that encouraging residents to take photos and upload their own home exercise or virtual sports can achieve an inspiring effect [21].…”

“…At present, there are few studies on sharing physical activity experience on SNS in isolation period. Some studies focus on sports challenge behavior in SNS, and believe that besides the tness function, it can change the residents' sports consumption concept and provide opportunities for enterprises and social organizations [21]. At the same time, some studies think that SNS provides a kind of virtual space for fans, which is a place of participation and dialogue.…”