According to a new survey, a majority of people have reported gaining weight, losing muscle and struggling with their mental health during the past year. Life Time, the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand, conducted the survey with thousands of current and former members across the country to determine trends and habits in health and wellness as we enter the New Year.
Overall results point to the pandemic having a substantial negative impact on the health and fitness habits for most. Nearly 70% of respondents said their personal health has been negatively impacted this year. Top reasons cited for the negative impact include:
- Overall stress from pandemic (44.5%)
- The closure of gyms (31.8%)
- Working from home leading to less motivation to exercise (15.2%)
Many respondents (70.5%) struggled finding motivation to work out from home and nearly 86% said they miss their in-person workout community. Additionally, 76% of respondents added they believe health clubs are essential businesses and should remain open during the pandemic.
Despite—or because of—these struggles, an overwhelming percent of people are extremely motivated to regain their health and fitness in the New Year. In fact, 80.5% of respondents said they feel more inspired to make a health goal in 2021, such as:
- 34.2% will focus on weight loss
- 22% will involve building muscle
- 12.5% will emphasize mental health
Other key responses include:
- 60% say they’re sitting more than they did pre-pandemic with 30.8% saying they sit more than eight hours a day
- For those who previously commuted to work, they’re “redeeming” their commute time in a variety of ways:
- 34% are catching up on sleep
- 32% are spending more time with family
- 23% are finding more time for exercise
- 11% are eating more thoughtful meals they’ve planned
Life Time conducted the survey as part of its annual promise to help American’s commit to One Positive Action through Commitment Day which launched on January 1, 2013, as a nationwide movement to inspire and encourage positive change. Since then, millions have participated in making a commitment to better their health, communities and selves. The survey polled more than 1,200 participants from age 18 to 70+ on health- and fitness-related topics ranging from what makes members feel healthy, happy and stressed to preferred workout styles and activities.
More information on how to take part in Commitment Day is available online at CommitmentDay.com.
