Brits are prioritising workouts over proper recovery (Image: PinPep)
Fitness resolutions are being dropped after just 33 days on average, new research suggests. A survey of 2,000 Brits found that 37% give up on their fitness goals within the first month, with many struggling once the early enthusiasm fades. More than a third, 36%, said motivation becomes harder to maintain, while a quarter find it difficult to balance exercise with work, family life and other daily responsibilities.
The findings also revealed that recovery may be a major stumbling block, with 55% saying it gets in the way of their fitness routine. Yet many still push themselves regardless, as 89% admitted they have exercised through tiredness in order to hit a step count or fitness target.
Understanding when to rest can be just as important as training (Image: PinPep)
Even so, improving physical health remains a key ambition for many, with 82% ranking it among their top priorities. More than half, 54%, said they want to exercise more consistently over the next 12 months.
When asked what would make it easier to stick to a fitness plan, 27% said they needed more free time. Meanwhile, 34% acknowledged that fitting workouts around everyday commitments is a regular challenge.
For others, the issue is support and structure. One in five said extra motivation or encouragement would have the biggest impact, while 19% felt they would benefit from a clearer routine or exercise plan to follow.
Olympic medallist Max Whitlock, who has partnered with Samsung for the launch of the Galaxy Watch Ultra2, which commissioned the research, said: “Recovery isn’t the reward for training, it’s part of the training.
“The sessions everyone sees are only possible because of everything that happens afterwards. Understanding when your body needs rest is just as important as knowing when to push.”
The study, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found 25% actively plan rest and recovery days into their routine. However, 16% only take rest days when they feel sore, tired or run down.
Even though 48% agree that rest and recovery are just as important as exercise, 18% find it hard to prioritise them, leading to a growing recovery gap between exercise and rest.
Whitlock says that recovery is part of the training process (Image: PinPep)
In fact, adults were more likely to base their assessment of how their body is responding to rest and recovery on how they feel physically (53%) or their level of tiredness (40%), rather than taking a set approach (15%). And only 23% admitted to resting and recovering properly.
When asked what the biggest impact would be if respondents had access to personalised recovery insights, 34% said they would know when they need to rest and recover.
And 70% agreed that understanding how their body is responding to training and recovery would help them improve their fitness or performance.
Annika Bizon, a spokesperson for the brand, added: “More people are taking their fitness seriously and challenging themselves to achieve more, but our research shows there’s still a gap between how people train and how they recover – in many ways, we’re training like athletes but recovering like amateurs.
“People want to be better informed about their health and what their bodies are telling them, and this is where technology can play an important role.
“By turning personal health data into tailored, actionable insights, people can understand when they might be ready to push themselves and when they might need more rest.”
