Brits are shunning traditional gym workouts for something a little different

A recent poll has revealed that 40 per cent of Brits are ditching traditional exercise methods in favour of more unique fitness regimes.

The survey, which collected responses from 2,000 adults, found that one in ten participants have tried trampoline fitness, a high-energy mix of cardio and strength exercises performed on a bouncing platform.

Many have also given ‘bubble football’ or paddleboarding a go – sometimes even with their dogs. Interestingly, 12 per cent expressed an interest in trying a hula-hoop-based fitness class.

The most popular types of workout were cardio-based activities such as running or cycling (32%) and strength training (25 per cent). However, 26 per cent described their current workout routine as neutral or downright unenjoyable.

It was discovered that 36 per cent of people felt music or some form of entertainment made working out more enjoyable. While for 28 per cent of respondents, exercising with friends added to their enjoyment.

The majority of those surveyed preferred morning workouts, with 45 per cent opting for a sunrise sweat and a mere 19 per cent favouring evening exercises.

Over half of the respondents admitted to finding gym workouts or running boring and desired fun in their physical activity regimen.

Interestingly, the survey revealed 49 per cent only partook in exercise for health reasons and not because they enjoyed it.

Sara Jolly from Foxy Bingo, who conducted the survey, stated: “It’s clear people are looking for unusual ways to exercise beyond the gym to shake up their routine and stay motivated by keeping things fun.”

Participants reported trying out unique exercises like bungee fitness, which involves being suspended from the ceiling using bungee ropes.

Approximately one in twenty Brits even attempt to incorporate urban landscapes into their workout regimes through Parkour.

The research was carried out by Foxy Bingo to promote their new ‘Xtreme Line Dancing Studio‘ in Birmingham after the survey found that fitness classes incorporating dance appealed to 53 per cent of those surveyed.

Sara Jolly further commented, “The Studio will combine the fun of line dancing with the fitness benefits of a circuits session to help you feel energised for the weekend ahead.”

“Our research found lots of people have actually tried a line dancing class already, but they won’t have done one like this.”

Excited about the prospects of such a unique offering, she said, “We can’t wait to see how many people sign up and come along to the Xtreme Line Dancing Studio to get their cowboy or cowgirl boogie on.”

TOP 20 ODD WORKOUTS BRITS HAVE TRIED:

1. Line Dancing – a choreographed dance in which a group of people get into lines and dance along to a repeating sequence of steps
2. Hula Hooping – Using weighted hula hoops for a full-body workout
3. Trampoline Fitness – High-energy workouts on a trampoline, combining cardio and strength exercises
4. Parkour – An activity involving running, jumping, and climbing over urban obstacles
5. Fencing – A sport involving swordplay
6. Bubble football – Playing football while encased in a large inflatable bubble
7. Tough Mudder Training – Obstacle course race training involving mud, walls, and other challenges
8. Pole Fitness – Strength and flexibility workouts using a vertical pole
9. Zumba Sentao – A variation of Zumba using a chair for resistance and support
10. Paddleboard Yoga – Performing yoga on a stand-up paddleboard, requiring balance and core strength
11. Cardio Drumming – High-energy drumming on exercise balls to the beat of music
12. Bungee Fitness – Combining cardio and strength training while being attached to bungee cords
13. AcroYoga – A combination of yoga and acrobatics performed with a partner
14. Kangoo Jumps – Cardio workouts using special rebound shoes with springs
15. Slacklining – Balancing and performing tricks on a narrow, flexible webbing suspended between two points
16. Roller Derby – A full-contact sport played on roller skates
17. Aerial Yoga – Yoga while suspended in the air
18. Stand-up paddle-boarding with a dog
19. Capoeira – A Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics, and music
20. Krav Maga – A self-defence system combining martial arts techniques