Lockdown sees more commit to exercising

A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults published by Decathlon in the Decathlon Activity Index, revealed almost half (42 per cent) of British adults are exercising more than they were prior to when social distancing measures were introduced – and this is something more than one in two (52 per cent) plan to keep up as rules are eased.

A further one in three (35 per cent) say they are also now more keen to look after their health than before the pandemic hit.

This has led to a surge in the number of people participating in different kinds of sports - running, cycling and yoga have all increased in popularity since the virus took hold. While for a small number, it has simply been a case of using exercise as an excuse to get outside (26 per cent) while social distancing measures have been in place, this newfound appetite could also be a result of many having fallen in love with the numerous benefits of exercise during lockdown. More than one in four (25 per cent) said they have found exercising more enjoyable over the past couple of months, while one in three (31 per cent) said working out has helped to improve their mental health. Joshua Gutteridge, sports manager at Decathlon, said: “Exercise is a great way to alleviate stress, clear your mind, and helps you to feel both physically and mentally strong – as many have discovered over these past few months. It’s great that so many people are planning to exercise regularly and maintain their fitness routine.”