British exercising more

The British have doubled the amount of time they spend exercising since this time last year, it was revealed yesterday (5 October 2010).

Twelve months ago, on average, Britons exercised twice a week, but this has now increased to four times a week, a new survey shows.

And six in 10 people say the main reason for exercising is the desire to lose weight.

Over a third said they had decided to ‘up’ their exercise levels after seeing an unflattering photograph of themselves looking fat and unfit.  Thirty four per cent of respondents decided they had to do something after looking in the mirror; and the trigger for one in six of those surveyed was the realisation they had gone up a whole clothes size.

But the hard work is already paying off.  Forty eight per cent of people reckon they feel happier with their body than they have been for years; and 47 per cent are enjoying compliments on how much better they look.

Karl Elliott at Engage Mutual, which polled 3,000 people for the study, said:

“It is fantastic to finally hear a positive story about the health and well being of British people.

“This survey shows an increased commitment to exercising and keeping fit, and it is incredible to see the difference in just 12 months.

“Regardless of people’s motivations, it is great that we are now exceeding the levels of physical exercise recommended by the government for general health.”¹

The survey shows 53 per cent of people are exercising more just to keep fit, but 37 per cent are doing so due to concerns about their long term health. 

Other deciding factors for upping the exercise include having a baby (13 per cent), getting married (11 per cent) and booking an exotic holiday (14 per cent).

The most common form of exercise taken by 52 per cent of Brits is walking; almost a third hit the gym regularly; and 29 per cent jog.

Home exercise videos are also a popular choice for 14 per cent of people.

Indeed, walking, jogging and exercise videos are preferred by 46 per cent of people due to money being tight.

A further 23 per cent say this type of exercise is more convenient because they can go straight from home or do it at home.

Karl Elliott continued:

“We’re used to hearing about the beneficial effects of exercise; for the heart, for improved muscle strength and flexibility, and for helping with weight management.

“But it’s also a great stress buster and people find that when they up their exercise levels, they have more energy for life in general.”

The research shows 25 per cent of parents would like to be fit and healthy for the sake of their children, and a further 14 per cent want to set them a good example.

Interestingly, 18 per cent of people are thinking about prolonging their life expectancy as much as they can, while eight per cent of women are exercising to get back into pre-pregnancy shape.

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1 For general health benefit adults should achieve a total of at least 30 minutes a day of at least moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days of the week. (Department of Health Exercise Guidelines: At least five a week)

Survey conducted for Engage Mutual in September 2010 with 3,000 people across Great Britain.

For further information please contact:
Kathryn McLaughlin

Engage Mutual

Tel: 01423 855245

Mob: 07794 283788

Notes to editors:

1. Engage Mutual Assurance is a trading name of Homeowners Friendly Society Ltd (HFSL), Registered and incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992, Registered number 964F and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Engage Mutual Funds Limited (EMFL) and engage Mutual Insurance Ltd (EMIL).  Both HFSL and EMFL are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).  HFSL’s Register number is 110072, EMFL’s Register number is 181487. EMIL is authorised to conduct general insurance business by the Financial Services Commission Gibraltar and is regulated by the Financial Services Authority for the conduct of UK business.  EMIL’s FSA Register No is 485680.   You can check this on the FSA’s Register by visiting the FSA website www.fsa.gov.uk or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234. 
2. Engage Mutual is one of the UK’s larger mutuals, providing simple, value for money savings, protection and investment products.  It currently helps over 444,000 customers of all ages to protect, preserve or enhance their welfare, with some of the most straightforward products on the market.  Engage Mutual prides itself on being a family-oriented, modern mutual, providing products that help enable households of all kinds to plan their finances to help meet their future needs. More information on Engage Mutual is available at www.engagemutual.com
3. Engage Mutual supports mutuality through links with the Association of Financial Mutuals and Mutuo.
4. Engage Mutual Funds Limited (EMFL) is a provider of the Child Trust Fund direct and in partnership with organisations including Yorkshire Building Society.
5. EngageMutual has been the title sponsor of the Rugby Super League since 2005 and has extended its agreement to 2010
6. Engage Mutual announced its entry into the health cash plan market in July 2008 following an agreement of partnership with Wakefield & District Hospital’s Contributory Scheme (WDHCS).  Further to this, 30,000 health cash plan customers transferred from Premier Health Benefits (part of WDHCS) to Engage Mutual Insurance Limited.

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