Most Americans exercise without gym membership

Six in ten Americans believe they can stay fit without setting foot in a gym.

A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that the average person considers themselves active five days a week and exercises four times a week, with 54% stating they never visit the gym.

Instead of gym workouts, people find alternative ways to stay active. Nearly all respondents (98%) believe they can get a workout from everyday tasks.

These tasks include everyday activities such as walking around the neighborhood (74%), taking the stairs (60%), doing yard work (59%), cleaning the house (59%), walking the dog (56%), and bringing groceries into the house (42%).

Additionally, tasks like gardening (40%), taking out the trash (36%), stretching after getting out of bed (35%), doing dishes or laundry (33%), standing on your feet for at least four hours (30%), and even getting kids ready for school (10%) are considered forms of exercise.

Commissioned by Nature's Bounty, a vitamin and probiotic brand, and conducted by OnePoll, the study found that 70% of respondents believe they are healthy.

Many compared their health level to their physical activity levels, suggesting that incorporating these activities into a balanced lifestyle contributes to overall well-being.

Ten percent of respondents felt like superheroes or professional athletes, while 17% felt ten years younger.

Nearly half (48%) reflect on their previous week's physical activities over the weekend.

Seventy percent reported feeling "impressed" with their activity levels from the previous week.

While over three-quarters (77%) are aware of their weekly activity levels, 65% expressed a willingness to push their physical capabilities further during exercise.

Of those, 80% occasionally test their physical limits while exercising. The benefits include increased confidence (54%), the ability to walk farther (52%), and improved appearance (46%).

Most respondents (87%) believe they could achieve tasks they previously couldn't if they improved their physical abilities by 10%.

"It's encouraging to recognize how everyday activities can feel like feats of strength to so many people and to understand that our bodies have an innate ability to support our overall health and wellness too—the power is already within us," said Jaclyn Safrath, MS, MPH, medical affairs manager at Nestlé Health Science, maker of Nature's Bounty.

"But it's clear that many want to constantly improve their health—finding ways to give that extra 10 percent and push what their bodies can do."

The study also found a link between diet and activity levels. Over a quarter (28%) believe their diet significantly impacts their immune system, and 24% believe it greatly affects their physical activity levels.

Ninety percent of respondents believe their digestive health affects their physicality and immune system.

To improve their digestive health, 63% would likely use a probiotic supplement.

Three-quarters of respondents would be willing to change their diet to improve their physical activity levels, and over half (54%) would change most or all of what they eat accordingly.

"The human body is a brilliant system, and every day it's hustling on our behalf," continued Safrath. "Take, for instance, the digestive system, where tens of trillions of 'good' bacteria already live in the gut, supporting many of the body's functions, including immune health. Probiotics help supplement the body's own ingenious system."

Top 10 Everyday Task Exercises:

1. Walking around the neighborhood - 74%
   
   
2. Taking the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator - 60%
   
   
3. Doing yard work - 59%
   
   
4. Cleaning the home - 59%
   
   
5. Walking the dog - 56%
   
   
6. Bringing groceries into the home - 42%
   
   
7. Gardening - 40%
   
   
8. Taking out the trash - 36%
   
   
9. Stretching after getting out of bed - 35%
   
   
10. Doing dishes or laundry - 33%
    
    

Survey Methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Nature's Bounty between Feb. 28 and Mar. 4, 2024.

It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are part of the Market Research Society and hold corporate membership in the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Source: menafn

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.