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ONE IN FIVE SKIP BREAKFAST
Breakfast: the most important meal of the day? Maybe not, for many see it as a time-consuming ritual that can be sacrificed for a longer lie-in. New research suggests that the average Brit’s breakfast habits are changing; with buying breakfast and eating it outside of the home becoming the norm. The study, by Currys PC World, revealed that one in five people skip breakfast entirely because of a lack of time. The 35-44-year-old age group is most likely to skip brekkie because it doesn’t fit into their diet, while 21% (double the national average) of 16-24-year-olds are skipping breakfast because it doesn’t fit into their schedule. Make time, people!
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MAKE THE MOST OF HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
A new website is aiming to help people get fit at home simply by utilising household items such as dining chairs, sofas, and even a bag of rice. The tool offers easy and hard versions of each workout, perfect for those either starting out or wanting to push themselves a little further. The Quirky Workout Generator (www.hillarys.co.uk/static/the-quirky-workout-generator) asks users to select a minimum of three items they have lying around the home and then generates an easy and hard option for how to use the items to work out with. Workouts include using the stairs for mountain climbers, using a bag of rice as a weight for weighted lunges and using a dining room chair for tricep dips. Home is where the healthy heart is!
CLUELESS WHEN IT COMES TO VITAMINS
Each month, over 44 million people (two thirds of the UK’s population) stock up on vitamins. However, almost half (46%) don’t know what the benefits are, according to new research from Nourished, the world’s first 3D-printed, completely personalised vitamin. Despite 65% of men and 58% of people over 56 taking vitamins, these are the two groups least likely to know what they’re for, with 46% of men and 53% of baby boomers admitting they didn’t have a clue what the benefits are. For example, around 13.2 million Brits take zinc, but only one in five know its benefits of helping with our endurance. Many are none the wiser about B12, with only 39% of Brits knowing it predominantly benefits the brain and mind. Do your research!
THE BIG STINK
While more of us are exercising than ever, it turns out that Brits don’t spend much time on their postworkout hygiene. Research from Tap Warehouse has uncovered just how unhygienic Britain’s gym enthusiasts are. For example, more than a fifth of gym goers wait longer than an hour to shower post-gym – making themselves prone to fungal infections. Moreover, 44% of Brits wear their gym clothes more than once, which includes the 10% of Brits who never wash their gym clothes. However, Dr Abigail Short from Bark.com, explains that “touching fitness machines, wiping your sweaty hand on your t-shirt or sharing a barbell can transfer germs” so your gym clothes should be washed after every workout.
CINEMA FOR THE MIND BODY AND SOUL
New academic research by UCL and Vue Entertainment reveals that a trip to the cinema can actually be good for us and help us step away from the mounting pressure of being online all the time. Through an academic experiment conducted by UCL’s Faculty of Experimental Psychology, a group of volunteers were tested with biometric sensors to see what happens to our minds and bodies during a two-hour film screening. The findings showed a noticeable increase in participants’ heart rates during the film, with viewers in the healthy heartzone for 45 minutes – equivalent to a light form of cardio. Skin conductance tests also showed that certain events in the film triggered an increase in emotional arousal levels. Time to hit the silver screen, folks.
COUPLE WORKOUTS KEY TO A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults published by Decathlon revealed 43% of those surveyed have exercised with their partner – with more than half (66%) saying that working out together has improved their relationship. More than half of those surveyed say exercising with their partner has had a positive impact on their relationship, while 53% say they enjoy spending quality time together – showing time spent in the gym or playing sport is still valuable time as a couple. More than one in five (21%) said it made them feel more attracted to their partner and the same amount also said they enjoy watching their other half work out. Working out as a pair also encouraged Brits to maintain a healthier lifestyle, as 22% said they exercise as a couple to stay in better shape. Who knew?
ACTIVE PARENTS BETTER PREPARED FOR CHILDCARE
A survey of 1,000 UK adults commissioned by Total Fitness has found that 38% of parents with young children struggle to fit in exercise around looking after a family. According to the study, 42% of parents to young children would like to be fitter, however only 19% regularly work out. The data also shows that parental tasks can affect your body physically, as 21% of parents with a young child admit they suffer from stiff joints as a result of lifting or carrying their youngster. However, the benefits of exercise are clear and can help mums and dads cope with the daily activities of parenthood. More than a fifth of those surveyed agree that exercise or sport helps them to cope better with looking after young children, while nearly one in three parents say that exercise helps to boost their mood. Parents: keep on keeping on.
