by Sofia Moreau

As UK residents stagger back to life post pandemic, there’s a tangible sense of panic permeating the air. Not from fear of the virus, but from a pressure that’s even more viral – the desire to flaunt a toned and fit physique post-lockdown. The root cause? Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, according to a revealing study.

A recent survey conducted by a popular home exercise app revealed that 63% of the respondents aged between18-24 felt an increased urgency to work out and maintain a physically fit image during the lockdown. A whopping 58% blamed it on social media, with the platforms named earlier being the prime culprits. Intriguingly, this number nearly doubles that of people twice their age who experience similar social media-induced strain.

Other findings indicated that the fear of gaining weight during quarantine also acted as a significant fitness motivator. Approximately 38% of the 18-24-year-olds acknowledged this insecurity, along with 29% who desired to present an improved appearance upon returning to their workplace.

The course to find exercise joy

The co-founder of the home fitness app illuminates a crucial perspective, imploring us to not to let workout become yet another pandemic-induced stressor. She insists, instead, on finding exercise regimes that work for us. Those that uplift our physical health, enhance our mental well-being, and befit our routines, while still being enjoyable.

Interestingly, while a quarter of the British folk find it uncomfortable to see others share their workout accomplishments on social media, 22% decline to engage in workouts available on Instagram Live. A smaller fraction only spectate without participating.

Social update: post workout selfies

Gender-wise image-sharing practices reveal that men are more likely to post their ‘sweaty workout selfies’, with 25% admitting this. But the pressure of maintaining physical fitness due to lockdown weight gain hits women harder. The survey showed that 37% of women experienced this pressure compared to 29% men.

Conclusively, it seems that home workouts are here for the long run. As we acclimatize to this new normal, the best approach would be to find a workout routine that works for us, makes us feel part of a community, and amps our motivation to continue.

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