Brits are embracing the spirit of a new start as lockdown restrictions ease, by putting in place health and fitness goals.
According to a survey of 15,946 UK adults carried out by Decathlon as part of the Decathlon Activity Index, 9 out of 10 Brits (90 per cent) have got a fitness or health goal they intend to pursue as covid-19 restrictions ease.
With many having had their exercise routines disrupted by restrictions – including the closures of gyms and the banning of non-professional team sports – more than 1 in 3 (36 per cent) intend to get back into a regular exercising routine.
Nearly a third (29 per cent) intend to take the opportunity when gyms and leisure facilities reopen by exercising more frequently than they did while restrictions were in place, as 40 per cent admit that they have put on weight since the start of the pandemic and 36 per cent say they don’t feel as fit.
For 1 in 3 Brits, this was due to them falling out of their normal exercise routines, while the closure of gyms and leisure facilities meant 32 per cent felt unable to exercise at all.
More than 1 in 3 (35 per cent) intend to lose weight as restrictions ease, with 43 per cent confessing covid-19 has made them realise the importance of their health, while 39 per cent say it is a good opportunity to start afresh and get into good habits.
With home workouts becoming the norm for many Brits throughout the pandemic, nearly half (49 per cent), say they plan to continue with their home workout routines even when restrictions ease. While 28 per cent intend to workout at the gym or leisure centre on their own.
Nearly a quarter (22 per cent) say they are planning to play organised team sports again as soon as restrictions allow it, while 21 per cent intend on attending a fitness class with other people.
Looking at the most popular sports Brits plan to participate in as lockdown eases, running (33 per cent), swimming (31 per cent) and fitness or the gym (29 per cent) appeared top of the list.
The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport and other physical activities across the year through a national survey repeated every month throughout the year.
