The health and fitness industry is making a resurgence. With the rise in chronic illness and disease in the first world countries, many more adults are starting to see the importance of exercise. Physicians are even being encouraged to prescribe exercise as medicine.
Even beyond a health standpoint, most of us have a newfound interest in achieving the physique of our dreams. With the spread of information across the world, thanks to the internet, it is now easier than ever to engage in effective and proper health and exercise routines.
Don’t believe us? Well here are 11 interesting exercise facts and statistics that will help encourage you to get active in 2020:
1. Physical Activity Has Risen 31.9%
The target going into 2020 was a rise of 20.1% but Healthy People has reported a rise of 31.9% of adults (age 18 and older) who now meet the guidelines for daily aerobic and strength training activities.
Though the level of active adults is rising quickly, a quarter of all adults still engage in no physical activity at all.
2. Engaging in Regular Exercise Can Lower Your Risk of Disease by Up to 50%
We all know the importance of activity, but did you know expenses tied directly to obesity cost the United States over $190 billion dollars in 2019 alone? This is just one condition that can be overcome by exercising.
Incorporating a regular exercise routine allows you to decrease body fat percentage considerably, cut your risk of type 2 diabetes in half, reduce the risk of dementia by 30%, and lower the chances of heart disease by 20%.
3. High-intensity Interval Training is the Most Popular Form of Training
In a survey performed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), high intensity interval training has maintained its no. 1 ranking as the preferred form of training among adults.
Group fitness training, free weights, personal training and body weight training round out the top 5 methods of preferred training.
4. Wearable Technology is the Leading Trend in Exercise
Chasing down the physical benefits alongside the extended health benefits of exercise has created a new line of technology that allows us to measure these items in numerous ways.
From watches that track minutes, calories and heart rate to step counters and beyond, wearable technology brought in an estimated $95 billion in the past year.
5. Only 10% of People Are Successful at Losing Weight Through Diet Alone
Achieving your dream physique or overcoming chronic health problems with nutrition alone is a daunting task that requires immense amounts of discipline and dedication.
Diet centers and proven plans have recognized this level of commitment and how it can hinder a clients’ success; now many of the popular “diet” companies incorporate exercise to aid clients with weight loss.
6. It Takes the Body 6-8 Weeks to Adapt to an Exercise Program
For those chasing the specific goals of lifting X amount of weight or shredding to a certain body fat percentage you must understand it takes the body time to adjust to a new exercise plan.
If you don’t see results in the first week or two that’s ok. Take your time and stop jumping from plan to plan. The results will come.
7. Muscle Mass Diminishes at the Rate of 1% a Year in Middle Age
We all know it is harder to gain and maintain muscle mass as we get older. Muscle tissue starts to deteriorate by the time we are in our thirties. Though it is only a small amount at first, this can still be combated by regular exercise.
Whether you’ve hit those later years or not, start building mass and strength now to help minimize this effect of aging as you get older.
8. Men Have Two-thirds More Muscle Mass Than Women
It’s no surprise that men can pack on the pounds better than women, but this shouldn’t deter a woman from strength training. Though a female’s body doesn’t carry as much muscle mass it is still imperative to maintain strength and stability to combat the effects of aging or injury.
9. People Who Work Out With a Partner Are More Likely to Stick to Their Routine
Having a partner creates accountability. In a study performed at the University of Aberdeen, those who worked out with a partner engaged in exercise longer and more frequently.
Having the support of a partner can enhance your fitness journey. As an added bonus, people who worked out with their significant others also have a higher likelihood of staying together.
10. Over 60% of Physically Active Adults Report Better Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is getting harder in a world filled with fast approaching deadlines and more screens than we can carry. The advancement of technology has pushed humans to work for longer hours over more days throughout the year.
Once work is over we then have to find time for family, friends, exercise, preparing food… Sleep gets pushed to the bottom of the list. If you are short on sleep, then quality plays an even bigger role.
The National Sleep Foundation found that those who engage in vigorous activity (even if it is right before bed) will experience an increase in sleep quality, leaving you feeling more refreshed when the alarm goes off tomorrow morning.
11. America Has 34,000 Fitness Centers
The United States is leading the world in the number of fitness centers present within its country, and this number continues to grow daily.
With the emergence of newer exercise forms in the past 5 years (like CrossFit, Orange Theory, and Soul Cycle) it seems like a new center is opening up on every corner. Take your pick or try them all; your options in 2020 will just continue to grow.
Exercise Facts & Statistics Summary
2020 is your year to start, and stick to an exercise routine. Find a partner and try some new forms of exercise or grab a fitness tracker and challenge your significant other to a step off.
Engaging in regular exercise will allow you to enhance body composition, decrease your risk of illness, combat muscle loss and the effects of aging, and help you sleep better at night. The new year and new you are just around the corner.
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