NEWS

1 IN 4 BRITS MORE SCARED OF GYMS THAN SPIDERS

New findings from PureGym reveal that 50% of non-gym goers in the UK admit to feeling scared of the gym, with some stating their gym phobia is worse than more commonly recognised fears such as heights, spiders or injections. Thirty per cent of millennials even said they’d rather give up their phone for a day instead of going to the gym alone, while one in four (25%) women said they’d rather go on a rollercoaster. Almost one in five non gym-goers also said they would rather stand atop a skyscraper than visit the gym alone. Why? Looking stupid in front of other people was listed as the top reason, while feeling self-conscious, body shame and a lack of equipment knowledge were also key factors. Dr. Margee Kerr, who teaches and researches everything ‘fear’ related at the University of Pittsburgh, suggests that we need to remind ourselves that we’re in control. Your doctor, spouse, family member, coach, etc. didn’t make you go to the gym, YOU did. Take control!

*One in four non-gym goers would rather have an injection, or be in a room with a spider, than go to the gym

DOG JOGS

A recent study has found that Brits feel more energised after exercising with their four-legged friends. Grainfree pet food brand, Canagan, and the University of Chichester, partnered on research to examine whether runners had an enhanced physical and emotional experience when accompanied by their dog. It’s no secret that exercise leaves us feeling more energised. However, this new research reveals exercising with your mutt can actually enhance this effect, leaving us with significantly greater feelings of stamina and most of all, vigour – compared to going it alone. The mood data also showed that negative states like depression, anger and fatigue decreased following all runs. Up you get, Fido, we’re off for a jog…

1/4

MORE OF US HITTING DR GOOGLE

Almost one in five of us have ‘given up’ on our doctors if they haven’t given us the diagnosis we were expecting the first time, with this number rising to 22% amongst women, and to a staggering 35% amongst 25-34-year-olds of both genders. The findings are the result of new research by specialist lawyers Bolt Burdon Kemp and gynaecological expert Dr Anne Henderson, who together shone a spotlight on worrying healthcare trends. The report also found that a whopping 48% of us wouldn’t go to see our GP if we had symptoms ‘down there’, with 22% of us preferring the advice of ‘Dr Google’, which could potentially lead to misdiagnosis and a delay in treatment. Step away from the internet, folks.

FINALLY, A USE FOR YOUR KIDS: BURNING CALORIES!

Every month your children could be helping you burn a staggering 50,884 calories (that’s the same as 42,759 burpees), according to a new report by Wren Kitchens. The findings reveal that on an average day your little bundle of joy can help you burn 1,478 calories, which equates to doing 1,179 burpees. Just carrying your child can help you burn 250 calories apparently, while playing with your kids is another good source and can help you burn 174 calories, which is the equivalent of doing 146 burpees. It seems the more you do for your kids and the more chores on the list, the more you will notice the pounds melt away.

GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND GO OUTSIDE

Recent research reveals Britain to be a sedentary nation, with 84% admitting there are days they don’t leave the office from the minute they get in, to the moment they leave at the end of the working day. The research comes courtesy of Nature Valley, and suggests that as a result of today’s frantic and pressure-filled workplace, connecting with nature is getting increasingly difficult. Spending the entire day stuck in the office often leaves workers feeling trapped (31%), while just over a third (34%) admitted to never taking a lunch break, instead preferring to opt for a quick lunch at their desks. Of those surveyed, more than half (57%) of Civil Servants and Government officials top the poll with never or nearly never taking a full hour lunch break, closely followed by Healthcare workers (49%).

36% of British workers do not see natural light from one day to the next.

BRITS SPENDING THEIR SALARIES ON PTS

Research conducted by discounted online golf shop golfsupport.com has revealed how many hours the average Brit works to afford their personal trainer for one year. On average, it found that Brits work 268.74 hours to afford a personal trainer for one year – 33 eight-hour working days. Liverpool spend the highest percentage of their annual salary on a personal trainer (15.35%), while Londoners spend the most at £53.36 per session – £5,549.44 per year. Collectively, England spends an estimated £1 billion on personal training sessions every year. Northerners save £222.56 more than southerners, equating to five extra personal training sessions.

THE FUTURE NOT LOOKING SO SMART

Future generations will spot vitamin deficiencies simply by using the toilet or looking in the mirror, according to a report from natural health brand BetterYou. The report predicts future lifestyles and, subsequently, highlighted how technological advances may impact the health and wellbeing of future generations, particularly exposing changes in the home, workplace, and lifestyle such as exercise and nutrient delivery to establish a vision of the nation’s wellbeing and – essentially – our vitamin D levels come the year 2050. In 30 years’ time, people will have the ability to create virtual environments that look, sound, smell and taste just like the real thing, which for many people may mean more time spent indoors, away from natural sunlight. Smart toilets, smart scales and smart mirrors are all expected to monitor our health, offering status updates when used. Sounds horrific!