Fall sports season is one of the most difficult times of the year to maintain a fitness regimen: Survey

According to a new survey conducted by 24 Hour Fitness – the largest privately owned U.S. fitness chain and a leading health club industry pioneer – the fall sports season is one of the most difficult times of the year to maintain a fitness regimen. And even though the results show that people are inspired by their favorite sports and athletes, that inspiration is not translating into action for most Americans.

The survey, which included more than 1,000 interviews by phone, found that one in four Americans work out less often during the fall sports season and one in ten Americans admit to skipping workouts to watch a sporting event or working out only when they can tune in to the action while at the gym. With one in five Americans claiming to watch sports events every day, it’s no wonder they struggle to stay in shape during the fall when baseball playoffs collide with the start of football, basketball and hockey seasons.

Unhealthy eating is a big factor as one third of those surveyed find themselves consuming more junk food during the fall sports season. They also claim to have trouble counting those calories: half of those surveyed find it easier to track their favorite sports player’s statistics than their own personal caloric intake and expenditure.

Still, the majority of Americans derive inspiration to accomplish their fitness goals from sports and want solutions to maintain their goals during the busy fall sports season. One third of the Americans surveyed cite football as the sport that inspires them the most to set fitness goals. However, setting goals doesn’t always lead to success. Participating in group exercises that relate to their favorite sports would help, according to the survey results.

“It’s important to take note of lifestyle trends like this and help people take action to get healthier, whether it’s simple improvements like walking instead of driving or bigger challenges like training for a race,” said Carl Liebert III, chief executive officer, 24 Hour Fitness.

To help Americans find the perfect balance this fall, 24 Hour Fitness is offering free workouts at every club nationwide, Nov. 22 – 29. In addition, with sports fans committed to the game during the fall season, workouts can be inspired by the action they see on the field. 24 Hour Fitness believes in the power of fitness to change lives and offers the following tips for those looking to put on their game face and hit the field running towards their health and fitness goals:

• Set a goal of watching or listening to sports games while running, climbing or pedaling on state-of-the-art cardio equipment at a gym. Bring a workout partner to keep you motivated and focused on the game’s score and not the clock.
• Train like your favorite athlete while adding intensity and variety to stimulate new muscle groups to burn more calories than fat. Try a group exercise class such as Everlast Shadow Box or 24Cycle at 24 Hour Fitness to improve strength, endurance and stability.
• Even the best athletes need coaching. Work out with a personal trainer who can create a custom workout plan to help you reach your goals and improve your quality of life.
• Take advantage of various tools available to you to help you stay fit, manage stress and accomplish your fitness goals. Whether you are looking to lose weight or track your activity and calories consumed, the bodybugg calorie management system - used by contestants on “The Biggest Loser,” is a high-tech armband that will keep you accountable during the distractions of the fall sports season.

Let your favorite sports inspire you to start or continue your fitness journey this fall season. You do not have to do it alone – 24 Hour Fitness offers supportive group exercise class environments, certified personal trainers and free seven day passes for your friend or family member to join you for a workout at the gym. For more fitness tips or to join the online conversation, visit 24 Hour Fitness on Twitter, Facebook and youtube.