More Britons saving money doing exercise at home, poll finds

Staying active is important for both physical and mental health

More and more people are embracing home workouts  (AFP via Getty Images)

Home has become the new fitness haven for Brits with an average saving of £100 a month compared to going to the gym, a new survey revealed.

Nearly half are now preferring to exercise at home for convenience, value for money and ease.

Over a third feel it’s easy to access different apps, workouts and motivation from the comfort of their home.

The research polling 2,000 adults showed that following the on and off closure of gyms and leisure centres since March, the alternative set up of exercising at home was more relaxing, quieter and generally more enjoyable.

Almost a third also prefer the option to choose to exercise when it suits their calendar.

Fiit ambassador, Dr Hazel Wallace, who partnered with Sky to commission the survey, said: “Working out at home can be very difficult without any guided support or motivation to get you through.

“Staying active is not only important for our physical health - but our mental health too."

Two thirds (64 per cent) of adults used exercise to improve their mental and physical wellbeing during both lockdowns.

With many preferring the benefits of not feeling pressured, judged or embarrassed and instead feeling more confident.

Almost seven in ten have continued to exercise at home since the first lockdown and are keen to keep up this habit.

As a result, one in five are planning not to return to the gym at all, according to figures from OnePoll.com.

And as some feel more comfortable working out at home, Brits are trying new forms of exercise including core work, weights, cardio, yoga and cycling.

Fraser Stirling, group chief product officer at Sky, said: “It’s great that people are feeling more confident to try new forms of exercise at home.

“Even if it’s a quick 15-minute session, everyone can join in with classes and training programmes, straight from the heart of your home.”

SWNS