87 per cent of gym members in England likely to return after lockdown

A survey by Savanta ComRes, in partnership with Sport England, has studied the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on attitudes and behaviours towards physical activity.

Findings included that 87 per cent of current gym members said they are likely to resume their membership when facilities reopen.

Encouragingly for the fitness sector, 27 per cent of people who are not currently members at a health club said they are also likely to join.

The figure is partly due to people discovering fitness workouts during lockdown and intending to continue the habit once the restrictions are lifted.

The survey – based on interviews with a representative sample of more than 2,000 adults – also showed that people miss the gym (14 per cent of all those questioned) more than any other physical activity, with swimming (13 per cent), football (5 per cent) and cycling (2 per cent) among other popular activities.

“The results show that many people are really looking forward to returning to their gyms and leisure centres once restrictions are lifted," said Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive.

“People are missing the gym because it plays such an important part in their lives, helping them to stay mentally and physically healthy in a way that they choose.

“We know people want to come back into our facilities and that is why we are determined to ensure the highest levels of cleanliness and safety in gyms and leisure centres when they do reopen."

• To see the full results of the survey, click here.