What a sporty summer we’ve had! It’s left quite a mark, with many folks across the UK planning to keep that fitness flame burning bright.
The average Brit is eyeing a spend of about £795 to stay on top of their fitness game till the year wraps up.
This includes splashing out £17.50 monthly on gym memberships, £15.30 on swanky sportswear, and £9.70 on all those handy fitness apps and subscriptions.
Winter’s Coming, But the Fitness Train Won’t Stop
When the leaves start falling and the mercury drops, keeping up with a fitness routine can feel like a bit of a slog—67% of us feel the same, admitting that the chilly seasons throw a spanner in the works. Cold weather (51%) and early nightfall (49%) are the usual culprits.
Yet, there’s a resilient bunch among us. A whopping 43% are spurred on by the mental health perks of keeping fit.
Others find solace in indoor workouts (29%) or relish the guilt-free comfort food post-exercise (19%).
A Little Cashback Never Hurt
Here’s something interesting: over half of us would find it easier to get our sneakers on if there was a bit of cashback in the mix.
This is where clever products like the Vitality American Express Credit Card come into play, turning sweat into savings by converting physical activity into cashback bonuses. It’s a neat way to make those winter workouts a bit more rewarding!
The American Express Vitality Cashback Calculator shows potential Cardmembers just how much extra they could earn, and more information is here.
Summer Sports Fever Keeps on Giving
This summer’s sports lineup wasn’t just thrilling—it was inspiring. About 24% of us are ready to fork out more dough on fitness, thanks to those energetic displays.
From running (37%) and swimming (36%) to football (31%) and cycling (28%), the drive is real.
And it’s not just about the sports; it’s the faces behind them. A good 26% of us are pumping more iron because of sports personalities, and that number jumps to 54% among the Gen Z crowd.
Keeping the Mojo in the Snow
Jonny Kibble, the exercise guru over at Vitality, has a few pearls of wisdom for staying active as the weather cools.
Got your usual park jog washed out? Have an indoor backup plan like a spin class that keeps the vibe alive.
Kibble puts it simply: “Exercise is meant to be fun,” reminding us to keep things enjoyable and season-appropriate.
Walking: The Unsung Hero of Fitness
Despite the array of flashy sports, it turns out walking is still king. Half of us count it as our favorite fitness activity, more popular than hitting the gym (20%) or running (17%).
And for those who love a team spirit, football is the top pick, with 10% playing weekly.
Wrap Up
As we march into the colder months, the UK’s determination to keep fit is only getting stronger.
With everyone from exercise newbies to seasoned gym buffs finding their own ways to stay motivated—be it through mental health benefits, financial incentives, or simply the joy of the activity—the fitness journey continues, inspired by a summer that showed us all how to move.