There are over 35 000 000 reported cases of COVID-19 disease and 1 000 000 deaths across more than 200 countries worldwide. With cases continuing to rise and a robust vaccine not yet available for safe and widespread delivery, lifestyle adaptations will be needed for the foreseeable future. As we try to contain the spread of the virus, adults are spending more time at home. Recent evidence suggests that physical activity levels have decreased by ~30% and sitting time has increased by ~30%. This is a major concern as physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, bone and joint disease, depression and premature death. To date, more than 130 authors from across the world have provided COVID-19-related commentary on these concerns. Many experts have emphasised the importance of increasing healthy living behaviours and others have indicated that we are now simultaneously fighting not one but two pandemics (ie, COVID-19, physical inactivity). Physical inactivity alone results in over 3 million deaths per year and a global burden of US$50 billion. Immediate action is required to facilitate physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic because it is an effective form of medicine to promote good health, prevent disease and bolster immune function. Accordingly, widespread messaging to keep adults physically active is of paramount importance.
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