Troubling news reaches Jogger HQ this morning as a not-for-profit healthcare provider has revealed that on 52% of the UK population rates their health as either excellent or good.
A survey of over 2000 adults from across Great Britain outlined some startling results. Only 16% said that they love exercising and less than 47% said that they were happy with their body image.
Benenden Health is a mutual healthcare organisation founded in 1905 with the purpose of people joining together to help pay for medical care and they carried out the research as part of its “Time for a check in” campaign aimed at helping people take the first step in getting more fit and healthier.
A quarter of those who took part in the study said that they did not know the right exercise for their bodies which is contrasted with 1/3 saying that they set a resolution to be healthier in 2023. The “Time for a check in” campaign was launched in partnership with Channel 4 in 2022.
Channel 4 presenter and former social worker, Judi Love said, “Exercise can be a scary word and make us think about long, horrible runs or demanding team sports, but in reality, exercise can be as simple as a walk to the shops, a short yoga class or dancing with friends.
“I’ve tried all different types of exercise – and disliked lots of them – but since finding the
right activities for me, I actually enjoy it! Strictly Come Dancing was the start of me pushing myself
out of my comfort zone when it came to exercise , I found dancing to be a great way to exercise and that has since developed into my love for boxing. Since I found exercise that worked for me, both my physical health and mental wellbeing have improved hugely, so why not try something new in 2023 and celebrate the small steps you take – literally and metaphorically!”
Cheryl Lythgoe, Matron at Benenden Health, added: “Exercise doesn’t need to be daunting, and it is crucial that we aren’t comparing ourselves to others or have unrealistic expectations – especially at the start of a journey to become healthier.”
