WITH the new year now in full swing, new research has revealed that sports and exercise will be at the forefront of new year resolutions for Brits.
A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults published by Decathlon in the Decathlon Activity Index 2019, shows that 49 per cent of us will have a fitness new year resolution on our list, from getting in shape or taking up a new sport.
In fact, this new year resolution will continue well into the year, with the majority keeping this up into July or even later on in 2019.
Interestingly, of those who do have a new resolution focusing on fitness, three of the top five reasons why are all down to mindfulness.
More than half (51 per cent), cite they want to improve their wellbeing, while 35 per cent want to be healthier.
This was followed by more than one in three (34 per cent) who said they want to be fitter in the new year.
A further one in four (25 per cent) report they would like to improve their mood and a similar number (21 per cent) said having a new year fitness resolution will help them to relax.
Izabella Angelova, sports manager at Decathlon, said: “The new year is a great opportunity for us to increase our fitness levels, allowing us to form healthier habits. We can see from this research how people are inspired to be more active as they strive to start the new year on the right track.
“Everyone has different reasons for embarking on a fitness regime in the new year – whether it’s simply to lose weight, get in shape or just to do something for them.
“The research shows, however, that improving our mindfulness plays a big part in this and with the likes of Blue Monday on the horizon, this is encouraging to see. If people are concerned about the cost of playing sport or exercising after the expense of Christmas, this doesn’t need to be the case. It can be as simple as heading out for a walk or a run, which won’t break the bank but means people can still get involved in some form of fitness as one of their new year resolutions.”
Top ten sports women take part in:
1. Swimming – 53%
2. Fitness/Gym – 46%
3. Cycling – 34%
4. Yoga/Pilates – 31%
5. Running – 29%
6. Camping – 23%
7. Hiking/Trekking – 2%
8. Tennis – 21%
9. Football – 11%
10. Cross Training – 10%
Top ten sports men take part in:
1. Fitness/Gym – 45%
2. Cycling – 43%
3. Swimming – 43%
4. Football – 40%
5. Running – 38%
6. Tennis – 29%
7. Camping – 25%
8. Hiking/Trekking – 23%
9. Fishing – 17%
10. Cross Training – 16%
The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport and other physical activities across the year through a monthly, national survey.
Decathlon has 45 stores in the UK and sells a variety of sports equipment, clothing and accessories perfect for those want to get active or excel their performance.
For more information, visit www.decathlon.co.uk
