A new survey indicates that nearly three out of 10 Canadians have "completely stopped" exercising.

Also, according to the survey conducted by the research company, whose results were released last month, half of Canadians said they adhere to the recommended exercise guidelines every week or most weeks over the past three months.

The recommended amount of exercise as outlined in the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines is at least 150 minutes per week, or 2.5 hours, where federal health officials say it's best to focus on "moderate to vigorous aerobic activity" in sessions lasting 10 minutes or more.

The survey results pointed out that the pandemic had a negative impact on the amount of physical activity Canadians engage in each week.

For example, during the pandemic, 48 percent of Canadians exercised for at least 150 minutes each week or most weeks. Whereas before the pandemic, 55 percent of Canadians exercised sufficiently.

In the same context, Mario Cancico, head of the research company, said in a press release: "Before the pandemic, only 23 percent of Canadians – and 34 percent of those aged 55 or older – adhered to the Canadian physical activity guidelines. In the past three months, the percentage rose to 28 percent nationwide and to 39 percent among seniors."

Also, despite the negative effects of the pandemic on many in Canada, 20 percent of survey participants said their personal situation regarding exercise and fitness is actually better now than before the pandemic, but more than one in five said it has gotten worse.

However, the survey showed that the majority of Canadians (54 percent) stated that their personal situation regarding exercise and fitness has not changed at all.

The research company survey indicated that 28 percent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 reported an improvement in their fitness after the pandemic, while 18 percent of those aged 35 to 54, and 15 percent of those aged 55 and over said so.

Regarding how Canadians get their workouts, especially during gym closures, the Research survey showed that about three out of 10 (29 percent) said they followed online workouts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 18 percent bought weightlifting equipment for their home.

Also, some Canadians (17 percent) said they chose running or jogging to meet their exercise needs, while 16 percent bought a cardio machine for their home.

More than half of respondents (53 percent) said they took some type of action during the pandemic to maintain their fitness.