Group fitness participant survey 2022 full report
- Date Published
- Jan 2024
- Publisher(s)
- YouGov, EMD UK
- Document Type
- Report
- More Info
- https://emduk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/EMD-UK-National-Survey-2022.pdf
- Themes
- COVID-19 Recovery, Economic Impact, Health & Wellbeing*, Physical Activity, Physical Inactivity, Social & Community*, Under Represented Groups*, Workforce*
- Sub Themes
- Mental Health, Physical Health, Ethnically Diverse Communities, Disability, Females, Males, Specific Conditions, Clubs, Coaching
- Geographic Area
- Regional
- Lifestages
- Children & Young People, Adults, Older Adults
- Sport / Activity
- Boxing, Cycling, Weightlifting, Aerobics, Boxercise, Circuit Training, CrossFit, Dance, Exercise Class, Gym/Health Club, Legs, Bums & Tums, Pilates, Skipping, Tai Chi, Walking, Yoga, Zumba®, Mental Health, Weight Management
In the dynamic landscape of fitness and wellness, understanding the preferences, motivations, and challenges of individuals engaged in group exercise is paramount.
This research, commissioned by EMD UK and conducted by YouGov, offers a compelling insight into Group Exercise Participation, shedding light on its growing significance in England's fitness landscape.
There are a staggering 4.8 million people in England aged 18 and above who participate in group fitness, having done so four or more times in the last 28 days. Of these, 3.43 million are women, highlighting the considerable female presence in this domain. The popularity of group fitness activities is also on the rise, with Yoga emerging as the frontrunner, despite being ranked 15th in 2022 by the Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends, closely followed by Body Conditioning, weights-based classes, cardio, HIIT, and Pilates.
The study reveals how group exercise has adapted to changing preferences, with private gyms remaining the favoured location, complemented by a 16% increase in home-based workouts. Online classes now account for 38% of participation, demonstrating the industry's adaptability and resilience.
Notably, group exercise is pivotal in the battle against long-term health conditions, with 35% of participants reporting such conditions. These encompass mental health, mobility issues, long-term pain, and chronic health conditions like diabetes and coronary heart disease. This highlights the role of group exercise instructors in managing and mitigating health challenges.
The study also unravels the barriers that prevent individuals from partaking in group exercise, with 41% citing a lack of personal appeal, 28% deeming it too expensive, and 21% mentioning long-term health conditions or impairments as hindrances. In a broader societal context, Sport England's research on the rising cost of living reveals that 40% of individuals believe this increase has negatively impacted their ability to maintain an active lifestyle, shedding light on the profound economic implications on fitness and well-being.
The reasons behind group exercise participation are multifaceted, but the data reveals that a resounding 78% engage in these activities to improve physical fitness, while 57% aim to lose weight, and 53% prioritize mental health, indicating that the holistic benefits of group exercise extend beyond just the physical realm, making it a powerful tool for overall well-being.
In essence, this research highlights the increasing importance of Group Exercise instructors and their ability to promote participation and addressing long-term health conditions. It serves as a call to action for the fitness industry and healthcare professionals, highlighting the profound impact of group exercise on individual wellbeing and the broader community's health which needs to be at the heart of NHS strategies to help with Social prescribing.
