An investigation carried out by Review of Garage Gym shows that the reasons people started training in 2023 were as diverse as the age, gender and income of survey participants. The analysis was carried out on people who work out at home, at a local fitness center or at commercial gyms. This is a timely investigation, since Centers for Disaster Control and Prevention shows us that only 28% of Americans meet physical activity guidelines set by the agency.
Yet 61% of survey respondents are not actually meeting their fitness requirements at a commercial gym. Most will use their home gym, do craft work, or perform physically demanding tasks at home to meet their fitness needs. Among those who meet their fitness requirements, here are the reasons for their training, the preferences of different age and gender groups and what to know about these trends.
1. Strength training is very popular among young people
This is the most popular form of training among the 25-34 age group. Younger people who train like to get stronger, but will, later in life, stop lifting weights when they need to most.
2. Cardio training is most popular with older people
For people aged over 60, cardio training is preferred. Cardio is ideal for cardiovascular health, weight maintenance and medical blood tests. However, adding some form of strength training is also recommended, especially as we age and reduce bone mineral density, posture and durability.
3. Middle-aged Americans prefer the mix
A combination of strength and cardio is the preferred training method for 31-42 year olds. A combination of strength, cardio, and flexibility training is wise not only when you’re younger, but especially as you get older. For stronger muscles, bones and spine, add lift/lifting activity. If you prefer gardening work, use the wheelbarrow and lift and drag the mulch bags. This type of work can provide the same benefits as lifting weights in a gym.
4. Most people exercise often
Over 43% of respondents train 3-5 days per week and over 33% train 1-3 days per week.
5. The big “why”
Why do they train? General health and well-being topped the list at 78%. However, mental health is the top reason people exercise in the 18-24 and 30-41 age groups. For many who work out, missing days or weeks of exercise can seriously affect their mood and attitude toward work and life. For the older generation (60+), overall health and wellness was their primary motivator to exercise regularly every day. Improvements in mental health and fitness are equally important to 28% of respondents.
6. They use the right equipment
The fitness equipment most used by those who prefer cardio are treadmills. Dumbbells were the most commonly used piece of strength training equipment across all age and gender groups. The treadmill was No. 1 among those over 60, which makes sense given their favorite activity: walking.
Recently I made my participatory research on the subject that motivated people to train. Here are some of the answers and similarities:
7. Fitness is a family affair
If you have family members who set an example, you’ve probably participated in training sessions with older siblings or parents. Whether it was running marathons or lifting weights, people who responded said they continued to train and their parents still worked out well into their 70s and 80s.
8. Martial arts and sports are important
Many young athletes quickly realize that they can become bigger and stronger by adding additional workouts to their training and competition goals. Developing discipline, self-confidence and the ability to defend oneself, if necessary, are some of the lasting benefits of martial arts training.
9. People take inspiration from celebrities
Many said they got physical because of the famous people who inspired them. How many of you started lifting weights because Arnold Schwarzenegger became known around the world? He set the standard for many, from his Mr. Olympia titles to roles like “Conan the Barbarian” – and we followed him.
A health problem can motivate many people to get moving. My neighbor told me, “After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I lost 112 pounds. Thanks again for all your motivation and “never give up” attitude.
One of my favorites came from an active duty military man who told me, “(During) my first enlistment at age 21, (I was a) fat farm kid with no formal athletic training. Articles from Military.com were some of the first things I discovered online about training for this sort of thing. It was in 2008! »
There are many reasons why we start and continue training. I recommend finding one, especially if you’re one of the 72% of Americans who don’t meet the fitness standard of 150 minutes of movement per week. Walk or cycle in 10-minute increments several times a day to start, and soon this will progress to more rigorous activities as you develop your abilities and confidence.
Give yourself a week and you will change how you feel. Give yourself a month and you will change your appearance. Give yourself a year and you will change your life – for life.
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL, fitness author and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you are looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.
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