Britons believe being physically active to improve health and fitness is the most important thing they can do to support the NHS and reduce pressure on its services, according to new research commissioned by ukactive.
The study of 2,123 UK adults by Savanta ComRes found that 69% of respondents want to do more physical activity or exercise considering the impact of COVID-19. Almost a fifth of respondents (18%) said that being physically active was the best way to support the NHS, with more than half (51%) ranking exercise in the top three ways to help. Next on the list, by a margin, was cutting smoking, followed by improving diet, paying taxes, cutting alcohol, making charitable donations, and volunteering.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put NHS services under extreme pressure, which has led many people to reconsider the ways they approach their personal health, including being more physically active each day.
The new research also shines a light on the mental health benefits of physical activity, which millions of Britons have relied on this year. Around three fifths (58%) of respondents said that during lockdown they were able to manage their mental health and wellbeing through being active, and 63% said that participating in sport and physical activity with others can help with feelings of loneliness.
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Posted on 28th September 2020