Exercise may now be more about the mental health benefits than getting into shape.
A survey of over 2,200 people in the UK asked their main motivation for staying physically active.
Over half, or 54%, stated that it was to improve their mental health, with exercise known to release “feel-good” hormones called endorphins.
In contrast, only 49% of respondents said their main motivation was to get in shape.
The survey, commissioned by the not-for-profit fitness industry organization ukactive, revealed that three-quarters of people are uninformed about the recommended level of exercise they should be getting.
The physical activity guidelines from the UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking or cycling, each week.
More than half of Brits surveyed – 54 per cent – said they exercised to aid their mental health, with physical activity known to release ‘feel-good’ hormones called endorphins
However, 75% of the respondents believed that the recommended amount of moderate exercise is much lower.
Almost 40% thought that 90 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity is sufficient, according to the survey released on National Fitness Day.
On a positive note, the survey conducted by Savanta found that people are aware of the benefits of exercise, with 86% agreeing that staying physically active can help prevent various illnesses and injuries.
As the NHS faces a record waiting list of 7.7 million people, almost a quarter of those surveyed stated that they were currently awaiting NHS treatment, and 7% of them had a gym membership.
National Fitness Day features free activities in gyms, leisure centers, sports clubs, schools, and workplaces across the UK, as well as online. Huw Edwards, the chief executive of ukactive, said, “More people are recognizing the incredible mental benefits of being active in their daily lives, not just the physical rewards.
These findings demonstrate the tremendous opportunity to improve our nation’s mental and physical health crisis if we can raise awareness of the importance of physical activity along with better nutrition and ensure that everyone has the chance to be active.”
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said, “Sport and physical activity are hugely beneficial to our mental and physical health, which is why we are aiming to get an additional 3.5 million people active by 2030.
We’re determined to increase participation, and that starts with 150 minutes of exercise per week for adults and 60 minutes a day for young people.”