September 13, 2013

Thanks to Jennifer Mosscrop on Hella Wella
for the Timex/Sodahead.com survey of how we’re shaping up as far as working out goes.

Fitness class

Curious to see how your fellow Americans stack up in the fitness department? Results from a Timex/Sodahead.com survey give some insight into the nation’s workout habits, and it’s mostly good news: 73% of respondents are working out at least once a week, and 29% spend between 30 minutes and one hour on fitness. Not much for the long haul. If our bodies were cars, that would be like changing the oil every 50,000 miles. Not a winning strategy to keep a clunker rolling.

 

Key highlights

  • 61% of respondents don’t go to a gym to exercise. If they do go to the gym, they want to stay close, as only 11% drive more than 15 minutes to their exercise destination.
  • Working out at lunch may not be for everyone, but 27% of respondents are finding time to get in a workout during the work day.
  • The most popular type of exercise is running (18%), followed by lifting weights (13%) and biking/hiking/outdoor activities (13%).
  • Once Americans finish exercising, it is time to hit the showers. Forty-three percent of survey respondents spend at least 10 to 15 minutes in the shower, 25% spend a whopping 20 to 30 minutes and 10% spend more than a half hour.

The not-so-good news

Out of 665 respondents, 510 (77%) say they usually exercise alone. That’s fine if you have rock-solid willpower, but For fitness, move it or lose itsometimes you need a nudge to get off the couch. That’s when a buddy is needed. Working out with a friend at least once a week keeps you focused and on track. Here’s how to find the right one.

See:

Feasibility of Enlisting Social Network Members to Promote Weight Loss Among Latinas

 

While 73% of respondents work out at least once a week — hey, it’s better than nothing — 26% say they do not exercise regularly. We don’t have to go into the importance of regular exercise again, do we?

When it comes to finding time to exercise, Americans may not be “morning people,” as nearly half of respondents say that they don’t exercise in the morning. For those that do work out in the morning, 6 a.m. is the most popular time.