Half the population 'feeling guilty' for not exercising as lockdown workouts fizzle out
– Lisa O'Keefe
Physical activity levels in England have continued to fall from those recorded at the initial phase of lockdown – partly due to schools, shops and workplaces reopening, giving people less time to exercise.
Latest figures from Savanta ComRes for Sport England – based on data collected from 2,000 adults between 19 and 22 June – show that less than a third (30 per cent) of adults achieved the recommended level of 150 minutes of exercise a week.
Children (aged 16 and under) are even more inactive – only 14 per cent achieved an hour or more of exercise a week, with 12 per cent "doing nothing".
At-home fitness sessions are losing their appeal too, with only 38 per cent of adults now exercising at home – compared to the figure of 44 per cent in early April.
As activity levels are decreasing, more than half of the population (52 per cent) now "feel guilty" for not doing more.
Perhaps most worryingly, a third (32 per cent) of people surveyed admitted that it will be "a challenge" to maintain even their lockdown activity levels as restrictions ease.
Sport England has been measuring activity levels and attitudes towards activity throughout the pandemic via surveys from Savanta ComRes.
According to Lisa O’Keefe, Sport England's executive director of insight, the grassroots activity body is "aware there is an issue to tackle".
“It will be a challenge, as restrictions ease and we move closer to a new normal," O'Keefe said.
"The challenges we had before lockdown, in getting people active, will once again be there.”
According to the data, those most likely to be unable keep up their current activity levels in post-lockdown include people with children, those currently furloughed or on reduced hours, those aged 16-34 and those in the ABC1 social grade. Each group anticipates increased pressures on their leisure time, impacting on the time available for exercise.
Another issue highlighted in the data is the widening gaps in activity levels for specific demographics during the pandemic.
Only 23 per cent of people with a longstanding condition or illness met activity guidelines in the latest survey, while the figure was 26 per cent for people from lower socio-economic groups, 27 per cent for women and 30 per cent for those aged 60+.
"The social and economic impact that coronavirus is having has also meant that some parts of society are being affected more than others and it is disappointing to see that some people found it hard to build activity into their day during the lockdown," O'Keefe added.
On a positive note, there is evidence that new habits have been formed during the pandemic – especially around active travel.
As gyms and sports facilities have been shut, there has been a huge increase in the number of people walking, running and cycling.
The data shows that 62 per cent of people intend to keep walking and cycling for everyday journeys as restrictions ease.
“We have a real opportunity as we begin to emerge from lockdown into a new normal to build on the good habits people have created, including how they have been able to prioritise their health by being active during the pandemic,” O'Keefe added.
The latest figures show just how disruptive COVID-19 has been for the UK's physical activity sector.
Before the pandemic, Sport England's Active Lives Adult Survey showed activity levels were at a "record high", with 28.6 million adults doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.
• To read the data in full,
click here for the latest survey results.
Sport England fitness Savanta ComRes inactive exerciseBounceback – new research shows 88 per cent of gym members will return and group ex will be fastest to recover
Coronavirus lockdown transforming people's exercise habits
FEATURE: Statistics – Bounceback
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
