Toned Bodies Intimidate Gym Goers

Toned Bodies Intimidate Gym Goers

A third of New Zealanders feel intimidated by all of the toned bodies they see at the gym

Auckland, Thursday 13 August- A new survey by consumer research company, Canstar Blue into Kiwis’ gym habits has revealed that 33% of Kiwis are threatened by all of the in-shape bodies at the gym.

The people most daunted by the bodies at the gym are those under the age of 30, says Canstar New Zealand, General Manager, Jose George.

“And those in Otago are the most likely of the regions to feel the pressure from the fit bodies around them with 50% feeling intimidated at the gym, while just 21% of those in the Bay of Plenty feel the same.

“However it doesn’t seem to be stopping people from getting on with their workout as three quarters of New Zealanders say that their gym membership has helped them achieve their goals, whether they be fitness, muscle gain or weight loss.”

Those aged over 70 are most likely to have achieved their goals with the help of the gym as 100% have attained the results they were after from the gym.

So, do you come here often?

Eleven per cent of Kiwis have dated someone they have met at the gym. Men are leading the dating game with 17% finding their partner in the midst of an exercise regime, compared to women at just 6%.

Despite the possibility of meeting a suitor in the weights room, 17% of New Zealanders would pay more for a single-sex gym. One gender gyms are most wanted by those in Otago (22%).

But it’s not just a dating game, for many Kiwis the gym is an important part of their social life (42%). This is especially true for those aged over 70 years (84%).

This year, I’m getting fit

Close to 30% of Kiwis (28%) start an exercise programme as part of a New Year’s resolution but fail within weeks.

This could be because more than half say that they don’t go to the gym as much as they thought they would (54%), says George.

“Women feel especially guilty when they miss a session at the gym (71%) compared to men at 64%. Remorse for missing a workout is a common Kiwi theme with 68% of Kiwis feeling the shame when they don’t make it to the gym.”

The number one barrier for people getting to the gym is lack of time (59%) followed by cost (14%) and intimidation and lack of enjoyment from exercising in front of other people (13%).

Despite cost being cited as a factor in gym attendance, a quarter of those in the Bay of Plenty spend more on designer gym clothes than they do on their gym membership.

ENDS

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