ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIORS, PERCEPTIONS, AND TRENDS AMONG EXERCISERS IN GYM CENTERS DURING AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A SCOPE REVIEW

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly altered physical exercise habits, directly affecting gym members’ behavior worldwide. This scoping review aimed to map and analyze the behaviors, perceptions, and trends among gym-goers during and after the pandemic, identifying factors associated with these trends and adaptations. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, covering PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and BVS databases from 2020 to 2024. Twelve studies were included, revealing that mandatory gym closures, subjective perceptions of biosafety, mental health impacts, reduced motivation, challenges in adapting to alternative modalities, and sociodemographic vulnerabilities contributed to the trends observed in gym participation. Individual factors such as age, gender, previous exercise experience, health locus of control, and emotional state significantly influenced continuity or changes in exercise habits. It is concluded that responding to public health crises requires integrated strategies that promote safe, welcoming environments, addressing psychosocial and structural dimensions to ensure sustained engagement in physical exercise and mitigate health inequalities.