8 in 10 Brits Admit to ‘Gym-timidation’ Post-Lockdown

With 8 in 10 Brits feeling anxious about visiting the gym since the pandemic, Samsung UK has launched a wellness pop-up to tackle emotional barriers to fitness
The space fitness experience will be fronted by mental health advocate and broadcaster Katie Piper – and powered by the Samsung Galaxy Watch4

LONDON, UK – 25^th October 2021 – The past year has seen a complete overhaul in the way the UK views its health, as Brits swap traditional workouts in favour of activities that promote all-round wellbeing. Research commissioned by Samsung found a staggering 83% of people agree that the gym can be an intimidating experience, with half of the nation (50%) worried others will judge them and others citing reasons including not feeling fit enough (35%) and looking weaker than others (33%). In fact, almost a third of Brits (30%) have found the traditional gym set up so intimidating, they have cancelled their membership altogether.

To help counter the emerging trend of ’gym-timidation’, Samsung UK has teamed up with author, broadcaster and mental health advocate, Katie Piper, who champions inclusivity, to open the doors to its Galaxy Life Gym – a gym for your life, not just your workout. The pop-up gym experience is powered by the Samsung Galaxy Watch4, Samsung’s latest smartwatch that champions a holistic approach to health tracking with features including Stress Score, body composition monitoring, Group Challenge and Daily Activity goals.

The top five causes of ‘gym-timidation’ are:

1. Understanding how to use all the equipment (56% of brits)
2. Other more experienced gym-goers (52% of brits)
3. Fellow gym-goers waiting to use the machine/equipment you were using (50% of brits)
4. The weights Area (47% of brits)
5. Complex machines (33% of brits)

The study revealed the lifting of lockdown has led to a trend for more flexible fitness, as 39% of Brits with gym memberships have chosen to exit their contracts over the past two years, favouring a routine that fits around their new work-life balance. Over a third (37%) of the nation would prefer to wind down with gentle yoga and meditation after a busy day in their home office over traditional forms of exercise, such as HIIT workouts or going for a run.

Confidence is a key cause of ‘gym-timidation’ –  4 in 10 Brits noted body-consciousness as a key reason for avoiding the gym, and 38% surveyed feel more motivated in group classes as opposed to working out solo.

When asked about the future of fitness, respondents said they would like to like to see gyms host classes which focus on having fun whilst burning energy (58%) and offer empowering classes that support mental health and wellbeing (52%), including holistic pursuits of yoga, Pilates and meditation.

In response to these findings, Samsung will be opening the doors of its’ Galaxy Life Gym, a two-day pop-up in the heart of London, taking place on 30^th and 31^st October at 19 Greek Street across run six fabulous sessions from 9am-6pm, and following up with two days in Manchester on Friday 5^th and Saturday 6^th November at Manchester Hall. Katie Piper will be working with Samsung to host a select number of sessions across the London pop-up.

Each guest will be able to experience their personal fitness partner in the Samsung Galaxy Watch4, which will monitor their heart rate, identify calories burned and increased energy levels, in addition to capturing their resulting glow-up!

For your chance to book your place, please visit www.samsung.com/uk/galaxy-life-gym/

As a self-confessed anxious gym-goer, Katie Piper understands the issues traditional gym-setups can evoke.

“The UK has been through a complete wellness transformation the past twelve months. Being without the gym for so long has meant we have had to adapt and find new workouts that make us feel alive! That’s what it’s all about – a feeling.  For me, dancing has always been a passion, so I’ve swapped the gym in favour of dancing like no one’s watching.  It totally transforms your fitness and confidence levels, and by using my Samsung Galaxy Watch4, I can track the results of my dancing sessions in more intelligent ways! Above all else, it is so important to be kind to yourself and do what’s best for your mind, body and soul.

Chris Gough, Head of Marketing – Mobile for Samsung UK commented: “During the pandemic, we have seen an increase in people wanting to have greater control and insight into their physical and mental health. The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 is a holistic health experience on your wrist – from Stress Scores to Group Challenge features, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 supports you in achieving your wellness goals – big or small.”

PICTURES OF KATIE