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One in three adults don’t meet recommended physical activity levels (Image: Getty)
Heart health experts are urging Britons to embrace one key fitness goal this spring and summer — having fun. A survey of 4,500 people by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) found more than two thirds believe there it too much emphasis on how exercise makes you look. Seven in 10 agreed they would be more motivated to stick with fitness habits if they focused more on enjoying themselves.
Heart health specialists in the UK are encouraging residents to focus on one primary fitness goal this spring and summer: having fun. According to a survey conducted by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) involving 4,500 participants, over two-thirds feel that there is too much emphasis on the aesthetic outcomes of exercise. In fact, seven out of ten respondents believe they would be more motivated to maintain their fitness routines if they concentrated on enjoyment.
Emily McGrath, a senior cardiac nurse at BHF, emphasized the importance of exercise for heart health. She noted that research indicates engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease, yet many people fall short of this target. McGrath suggests that by prioritizing fun and enjoyment, people may find the motivation they need to develop a love for exercise. With winter finally behind us, it’s an ideal moment to seek joy and transform movement into an activity that is both loved and anticipated.
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Currently, approximately eight million people in the UK are affected by cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity can decrease the likelihood of developing this condition by as much as 35%.
Despite these benefits, about one in three adults do not achieve the recommended levels of physical activity.
Hugh Hanley, a personal trainer and fitness director at PureGym, which partners with BHF, agrees that individuals are more likely to stick to their exercise routines when they genuinely enjoy the activities they are doing.
“At PureGym, we see members succeed when they discover something that makes them feel good, whether that’s a class, training with a friend, or working towards a personal challenge.
“When fitness becomes something people enjoy rather than something they feel they ‘have to’ do, it’s far easier to build habits that last.”
Survey respondents were also asked what, if anything, they believed was more important than fun when it comes to fitness.
One third said nothing was more important, while 35% said the number of calories burned was more important than enjoyment, and a fifth were more concerned about how quickly exercise builds muscle.
Prioritising enjoyment may be the key to sticking with exercise goals (Image: Getty)
The BHF is also calling on the nation to sign up to a fitness challenge that could help keep them on track.
The charity offers a range of options, including the London to Brighton Bike Ride and Off Road Bike Ride, the Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim and the Strong Woman Challenge.
Sarah Choudhry, BHF director of fundraising events, said: “It’s fantastic that a quarter of Brits say having fun and enjoying themselves is their top fitness goal this spring and summer.
“Creating a fun, welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who joins ‘Team BHF’ and takes part in our challenge events is really important to us.
“Every single person who joins ‘Team BHF’ is playing a vital role in helping us fund lifesaving cardiovascular research. They’re also boosting their own health and wellbeing in the process — and often discovering a passion for fitness too, which can be life-changing.”
- You can find out more about BHF challenge events here.
