New Survey Points To Benefits Of Virtual Fitness

Article From：SGB Media

 

A new survey of over 1,000 Americans from boutique personal training club Innovative Fitness found that of those who frequently participated in virtual fitness during the pandemic, nearly 60 percent noticed an improvement in their mental health.

 

The survey also found a strong correlation between regular exercise and job performance, with 75 percent of Americans who reported a high job performance working out between 3-to-5 days a week. Broadly, Americans have been more productive since the pandemic, with nearly 72 percent saying their productivity has either stayed the same or improved, and 36 percent noting a distinct improvement.

 

A positive correlation was further found between exercise and sleep patterns as well as in relationship development with significant others.

 

On the downside, lifestyle changes brought about by the pandemic have also had a dramatic effect on the health and wellness of Americans, with 37 percent experiencing weight gain, and 32 percent admitting to a decline in their diet. Nearly 42 percent of Americans have also noted increased stress due to concerns about the future. Sleep patterns have also been negatively affected by the pandemic.

 

“This survey tells us that the pandemic has affected the lives of Americans in surprising ways,” said Curtis Christopherson, president and CEO of Innovative Fitness. “Productivity is at an all-time high, and this may be driven by increased stress and uncertainty about the future, in addition to working from home. Unfortunately, mental and physical health has seen a steep decline across the board, with most Americans reporting weight gain, anxiety, and poorer sleep and diet. This is concerning, and we need to take action as a community to reinforce healthy habits.”

 

When questioned about their future plans for fitness, 50 percent of Americans have said they don’t have plans to return to the gym after the pandemic. Nearly 50 percent of Americans were found to be engaging in virtual fitness. When asked why they prefer virtual fitness, nearly 58 percent said it’s more convenient for their schedule than other methods of working out. With nearly 37 percent of respondents saying they’ve purchased at-home fitness equipment during the pandemic, Americans seem prepared to work out from home for the foreseeable future.