WITH THE COMING of Lockdown V3, we Brits no longer have the choice of going to the gym or staying home, but the truth is that nearly half of us now prefer to exercise at home. What is more, it looks likely that at least one in five gym-goers will decide not to return in the long-term.
Out of a sample of gym-goers, 44% prefer exercising at home, of which 65% said it was due to the convenience, 50% due to the value for money (i.e., saving an average of £100 per month), and nearly 40% because they find it easier to stay motivated when working out using apps and equipment at home.
The ease and convenience of exercising at home have become the new norm. It fits in with many peoples’ new routines; working and schooling at home means it can be hard to get some down-time, and a period during the day to focus on self becomes essential. In the study group, exercising at home was more relaxing, quieter, and more enjoyable than working out in the gym, with the bonus of no travel time.
At the same time, peoples’ awareness of how necessary fitness is for the mind and body has increased hugely.
However, when it comes to holistic fitness, instructor-led classes’ benefits should not be under-estimated, especially when it comes to mindfulness and meditation. There is a great demand for all types of online classes and podcasts, but now we are learning to look after our physical AND mental health. Being based at home provides the environment and time to take time out of our day to look after ourselves.
It turns out that 64 percent of adults used exercise to improve their mental and physical wellbeing during the first two lockdowns, with many preferring the benefits of not feeling pressured (30 percent), judged (26 percent) or embarrassed (21 percent), and instead feeling more confident (21 percent).
Almost seven in ten of us have continued to exercise at home since the first lockdown and are keen to keep up this habit – with 39 percent admitting they want to keep going for at least a year.
As a result of this new trend, the average exercise fan plans to spend two days less in the gym – even when restrictions are fully lifted, with a fifth not planning to return to the gym at all. As well as feeling more comfortable working out at home, 33 percent of Brits are trying new forms of exercise, including JumpGa, core, weights, cardio, yoga, and cycling, since the start of the pandemic.
Now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the plethora of online classes, try something new and get into the ideal home fitness routine that will become the basis of your physical and mental health for years to come.
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