The COVID‐19 pandemic and its management are placing significant new strains on people’s well‐being, particularly those with pre‐existing mental health conditions. Physical activity has been shown to improve mental as well as physical health. Increasing activity levels should be prioritized as a treatment target, especially when the barriers to exercise are greater than ever. Promoting physical activity has not traditionally been the remit of psychologists. Yet psychological theory and therapeutic techniques can be readily applied to address physical inactivity. We present theoretical perspectives and therapy techniques relating to (1) beliefs about physical activity, (2) motivation to be physically active, and (3) the sense of reward achieved through being physically active. We outline strategies to initiate and maintain physical activity during the COVID‐19 pandemic, thereby benefitting mental and physical health. COVID‐19 is demanding rapid and substantial change across the whole health care system. Psychological therapists can respond creatively by addressing physical activity, a treatable clinical target which delivers both mental and physical health benefits.

中文翻译：

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大流行中的身体活动：心理治疗的新治疗目标

COVID-19 大流行及其管理给人们的福祉带来了新的重大压力，尤其是那些已经存在心理健康问题的人。体育活动已被证明可以改善心理和身体健康。增加活动水平应优先作为治疗目标，尤其是在运动障碍比以往任何时候都大的情况下。传统上，促进体育锻炼并不是心理学家的职责。然而，心理学理论和治疗技术可以很容易地应用于解决身体不活动的问题。我们提出了与（1）关于身体活动的信念，（2）身体活动的动机，以及（3）通过身体活动获得的奖赏感相关的理论观点和治疗技术。我们概述了在 COVID-19 大流行期间启动和保持身体活动的策略，从而有益于身心健康。COVID-19 要求整个医疗保健系统进行快速和实质性的变革。心理治疗师可以通过解决身体活动来创造性地做出反应，这是一种可治疗的临床目标，可以带来身心健康的益处。