Unlocking Health Benefits: Your Ticket to Feeling Great, Inside and Out!

Dr Mcveigh, 22 Jul

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New Year. New You?

January is that time of year when loads of us flock to gyms, pools, and parks to start a new health kick. However, beyond physical fitness lies a deeper narrative. Recent research commissioned by UK Active unravels what drives people to join the gym.

More than a six-pack

Recent research untaken by Uk Active reveals that the majority of us aren’t just chasing a six-pack when we join a gym; over half of new gym members join to tackle a specific health issue.

Whatever the reason for joining, the boost the majority of gym go-ers receive to their mental health might be the reason people keep coming back.

More than three in four (78%) said that going to the gym has a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing, while two-thirds (66%) said they found that exercising helps them sleep better.

health excercise mental health benefits Exercising in group

“It’s clear that more people are seeing the true value of being active and its role in leading a fulfilling life,” said Huw Edwards, ukactive’s chief executive.“It’s reassuring to see people getting such crucial benefits from physical activity and more are now seeing fitness and leisure facilities as places in the community that can really help them look after their health and wellbeing.”

Did you know? A record 2.6 million Britons currently unable to work because they are struggling with an illness.

Edwards urged the UK government to do more to support the fitness industry, and the millions of Britons struggling. Employers should be able to offer staff gym memberships or home fitness equipment as a perk and then claim the costs against tax, he said. He also called for an overhaul of VAT to incentivise gym membership – as Ireland has done – and a reform of business rates to encourage more gyms, pools and fitness facilities to open.

Everyone, no matter the age or health situation, should be able to enjoy the benefits of exercising. It’s not just about getting folks through gym doors; it’s about keeping them hooked on that fit life.

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has stated that if people lose weight, drink less alcohol and become more active it could save up to £3 billion a year on the care budget.

January’s like the starting whistle for a healthier, more active lifestyle

For gyms to thrive, it’s not only about attracting new members but about nurturing lasting lifestyle changes.

A word of warning from David Minton, a leisure industry analyst, who warns it’s not just about signing up; it’s about turning that workout vibe into a lifelong love affair. Minton is also worried that gyms aren’t as accepting to the over 50s as they could be.

In just ten years, 27 per cent of the UK population will be aged 70 plus. For many, 70 will be the new 60 and 60 the new 50 with one message everyone agrees on – it’s never too late to start exercising and benefit from the remarkable ways in which exercise helps our bodies and minds with all the mental health benefits of physical activity.

With the benefits of an active lifestyle being clear, more and more Health Insurance providers now offer discounts and incentives for policyholders to stay fit and healthy.

For example, many insurers provide discounts for customers who maintain a healthy weight, based on body mass index (BMI).

Vitality Health prioritises promoting a healthy lifestyle and rewards customers for improving their health with benefits and incentives including:

Monthly rewards and discounts are based on points you accumulate for being active.
Discounts on Apple Watch: the more steps you take, the more points you’ll receive
Up to 15% of your premium paid as cashback, as an incentive for not smoking
Up to 50% off health checks/screenings
50% off Gym memberships – Virgin Active or Nuffield Health (a joining fee will apply)
Get points each time you attend a Virgin Active or David Lloyd gym

With over 15 million people in the UK living with at least one long-term health condition, and in a world where health rules, gyms nowadays aren’t just spots for sweating; it’s where the magic happens – where you become the champion of your well-being – whatever your age.

Next steps?

If you found this article interesting you should talk us about how living an active lifestyle can help lower your health insurance costs, or which policy has the best mental health cover or any other questions this article raises.

January 11, 2024