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: