More Kiwis are planning to exercise survey says

A total of 176,000 New Zealanders say they will definitely start exercising at a gym or fitness facility in the next 12 months, according to a survey by an Auckland research company.

The study, commissioned by Exercise New Zealand, shows exercise industry growth is looking positive for the future with strong indicators of more people wanting to exercise to keep fit and healthy.

The survey was conducted by Horizon Research, which carries out studies for companies, government agencies and community organisations.

Exercise New Zealand chief executive Richard Beddie says further findings will be released as more survey data is analysed.

The research survey asked respondents not only about their exercise habits, but also perceptions of exercise, benefits, and importantly, if they are thinking of starting or ending their exercise habit and why.

“The survey found nearly

177,000 of the adult New Zealand population would definitely be keen to start structured exercise in the next 12 months.

“It also showed that around

29,700 people would cancel their memberships in the next 12 months, along with another

14,100 others saying they would most likely cancel. But more than half of those leaving an exercise facility were planning on joining somewhere else.

Richard says the statistics show the industry as a whole will continue to grow strongly, while consumers continue to be prepared to move to other providers if their needs are not being met.

Around 29 percent of people surveyed will be exercising at home in the next 12 months.

“That’s huge growth from 10 years ago. The study shows more than half those interviewed believe structured exercise is important or very important, with another 23 per cent saying that it is somewhat important.

“Overall, around 23 per cent of Kiwis have some sort of membership to an exercise facility, and the vast majority of those are using it.”