80% say they exercise at least three times a week (23% work out every single day). Bravo on being mentally and physically fit, people!
Why do you exercise?
91% do it for health—the clear priority here. After that, just 15% exercise because it’s “fun,” while 6% are in it for the perfect beach bod, and 6% are all about that endorphin rush.
Popular answers:
• It’s part of my commute • The dog needs a walk! • Stress relief
What physical activity do you find most meditative?
Most Common answers:
Walking; yoga; swimming 66% of respondents practice walking or moving meditation.
Some answers we liked:
• Washing floors • Cooking • Stretching • Knitting. (Hey, I move my hands!) • Motorcycle riding
When you’re getting moving, what do you notice most in your body?
39% say “everything’s different, and I love it.” Meanwhile, a mere 2% of respondents report “everything’s different, and I want it to stop.” 37% notice a change in their breathing, 13% say they notice how much they’re sweating, and 6% notice their hearts pounding. The “no pain, no gain” mentality is pretty rare among respondents—just 4% say they notice the pain most.
Preferred form of workout entertainment?
45% like to pay attention to the sounds of nature and their body (no details, please). 30% listen to music, 6% watch TV, and 4% tune into a podcast. A healthy 3% of respondents would rather enjoy the calm and quiet under the covers—if only cozing* were a sport! (* From Urban Dictionary: resting, sleeping “Dude, it’s only like 8 p.m., why are you cozing?”)
If you could be an Olympic athlete, what sport would you play?
• Reading • Chess • Roller derby—I would have to know how to skate though • Refereeing • Hopscotch • I wouldn’t want to be an Olympic athlete. At all. Ever. • Kegels • Something solitary, like cross-country skiing • Is yoga a sport? • Middle-aged-woman-walking-as-fast-as-she-can
What’s the weirdest physical activity you’ve tried?
• Whipped cream battle • Bridgeswinging • Beer pong • Balloon couple race • Chasing my cats • Golf • Sex. It’s just strange if you think about it. • Clogging • “Jazzercise” • Streaking • I competed in the World Coal Carrying Championship in 2003 and got a Bronze medal.
On a scale from negative 1 to 10, how much do you love going to the gym?
There’s only lukewarm feelings about the house of pain and gain, with an average of 4.3. There’s even a bit of aversion—16% chose -1.
