New consumer research from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) reveals that 52% of people across the UK are planning to use digital fitness solutions to stay fit and healthy as lockdown restrictions lift.
Conducted with OnePoll, the research explored the step change in the habits and routines of 5000 people across the UK regarding their physical health and wellbeing beyond the immediate effects of the pandemic.
The survey-based study revealed that 52% of people across the UK are planning to use digital fitness solutions, such as online home exercise videos, health and wellbeing apps and virtual personal trainers to stay fit and healthy as lockdown restrictions lift, with 44% seeking to improve their overall energy levels. With more than half of people across the UK turning to digital fitness resources, the BCA has launched its virtual Manual for Movement that aims to share guidance on how to self-direct independent workouts using digital fitness resources, to prevent any aches and pains from getting between the public and their post-lockdown goals. 
The BCA encourages all MSK professionals to share the Manual for Movement on social media and tag the Association on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Catherine Quinn, President of the BCA, said: “Social distancing and anxiety around returning to shared spaces may keep us out of gyms and fitness classes for a while longer, so it’s encouraging that so many people are planning to either pick up or continue exercise routines at home. But, of course, it’s important that new or advanced routines are taken on safely and sensibly to avoid any home injuries”.
Key insights from the study include:
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- 42% of the British public will be taking part in freely accessible activities, such as cycling, running or walking to stay fit and healthy, post-lockdown.
- Since the first lockdown (March 2020) 42% of people have had more time to look after their physical health and wellbeing. 43% of people anticipate spending the same amount of time on routines for their health and wellbeing as lockdown restrictions lift.
- 36% of people want to generally get more movement into their day, post-lockdown.
- 38% of people want their workplace to either introduce or continue to allow flexi-working to promote more healthy and physically active lifestyles whilst 37% would prefer their workplace to do/continue to do remote working.
- As lockdown restrictions lift, 41% of women are most looking forward to seeing their friends and family more regularly to enhance their own wellbeing, compared to 27% of men.