by Nadia Sinclair

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Locked indoors, over fifty percent of adults in a recent UK survey report embracing new exercise routines, raising an encouraging tide of determination to incorporate these routines into life beyond the lockdown. As we anticipate the easing of quarantine restrictions, home fitness appears to be a silver lining, with 76 percent of those polled adopting at least one new form of exercise.

Walking, specifically for exercise, topped the charts as the most adopted new routine. Running, yoga, home High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), home treadmill, cycling outdoors, and weight training followed in popularity. With a staggering eight out of 10 participants vowing to continue their newfound routines post-lockdown, the nation is resolute to reap long-term benefits and make the ‘new normal’ a healthier one.

With home turning into the new gym for 64 percent of those polled, the transition hasn’t been without some hiccups. Bumping into furniture, interruptions by pets, deliveries, children, and even a fair share of laughter from family members were among the uncommon challenges faced. However, that hasn’t deterred the enthusiastic respondents. About one-third have substituted household items for gym equipment such as using stairs, chairs, or cushions, and cans of food as weights.

Aside from physical benefits, most participants reported a positive impact on their mental health. Seventy-five percent stated that physical activity had better prepared them mentally to handle the impact of the lockdown on their daily lives.

Particularly concerning was the worsening mental health among respondents in the 18-24 age bracket. Though wellness experts attribute this largely to inadequate physical activity falling short of the recommended 150 minutes per week. On the flip side, respondents over 65 overwhelmingly reported an improvement in mental wellbeing corresponding with their adherence to the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week enacted by the NHS for adults aged 65 and older.

Amidst these challenging times, creative strategies have emerged to support physical and mental health, including apps that offer workout programs and wellbeing content crafted by seasoned professionals, accessible from the comfort of your home.

So, as you strive to elevate your fitness game at home, remember it’s not just about physical health – exercise is also a powerful tool to maintain and enhance mental well-being during these uncertain times. After all, it’s all part of building a healthier nation, at home.

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