see all jobs
YMCA survey reveals members happier after workout
A survey of 3,000 members of an Australian YMCA has found 85 per cent of respondents felt happy or elated after exercise, and group fitness was the activity that made people the happiest.
The YMCA Victoria survey questioned people about their mood before and after exercise. Before physical activity, 78.7 per cent of people felt ‘normal’ but afterwards 75 per cent reported feeling happy and 10.7 per cent felt elated.
Chief executive of YMCA Victoria Peter Burns said: “Physical activity is good for your health, but it’s also a great way to be part of your community, to feel like you belong somewhere and to connect with other people.”
Group fitness made people the happiest, followed by gym workouts and running.
Women aged 35-39 enjoyed group exercise the most, reporting it made them feel part of a community.
YMCA Derrimut Health and Aquatic Centre group fitness expert, Leigh-Jay Ascension said men were missing out on the benefits of group fitness classes, which are usually filled with women.
“When everyone is doing the same thing and they’re working towards the same goals it builds a real camaraderie,” he said.
More News
- News by sector (all)
- All news
- Fitness
- Personal trainer
- Sport
- Spa
- Swimming
- Hospitality
- Entertainment & Gaming
- Commercial Leisure
- Property
- Architecture
- Design
- Tourism
- Travel
- Attractions
- Theme & Water Parks
- Arts & Culture
- Heritage & Museums
- Parks & Countryside
- Sales & Marketing
- Public Sector
- Training
- People
- Executive
- Apprenticeships
- Suppliers