NEW YORK — Are you stuck at home and can’t get to the gym? Maybe you could work out but would rather just sleep in. Whatever the reason is, a recent survey shows many Americans don’t want anyone else to know about their fitness flaws.
A poll of 2,000 adults found that about one in five (19%) admits to lying about working out when they were really doing something else. Researchers say 37 percent of those fitness fibbers wanted to convince someone they were busy. Thirty-five percent explain they wanted to impress another person, and 31 percent say they lied because they were embarrassed to say what they were really doing.
So what were they really doing? Nearly 60 percent of respondents say they were just too tired to exercise. Over half of those surveyed say they just had other things to do that day. Other excuses include spending too much time at work, eating too much, and feeling dehydrated.
For those who actually make it to the gym, getting through a whole workout isn’t a piece of cake either. The survey, commissioned by Gatorade, shows nearly 40 percent of adults cut their sessions short if they forgot some of their exercise gear.
No Shirt, No Shoes, No Workout
When it comes to the “essentials” of a successful workout, 83 percent of respondents agree the right sneakers are paramount. Seventy percent say they needed to wear the right workout bottoms. Other essentials included comfortable socks, a workout shirt, and their headphones.
Meanwhile, half of the poll didn’t think they could make it through exercising without their favorite songs to keep their mind occupied. Among the most popular tunes to work out: Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and Katy Perry’s hit song “Roar.”
Stay Hydrated
No matter how long the workout lasts, the vast majority of Americans agree that staying hydrated is the key to success. Ninety-three percent say they need their fluids to reach peak performance when exercising.
“Beyond decreased performance, dehydration can also cause you to feel weak, fatigued and light-headed, which may make you want to skip working out entirely,” says James Carter of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute in a statement.
“It’s important to take in fluids and electrolytes to help replace what you’re losing in sweat so you get the most out of your workout,” he adds.
Other Ways To Stay Fit
Researchers say there are plenty of other ways people are staying in shape without lying about their gym habits. Although exercise was found to be the most popular way Americans stay healthy, 72 percent of respondents also rely on staying hydrated.
Sixty-five percent of the survey said they are walking more and over half of the poll are taking vitamins to stay in good health.
“Our core belief is that performance is driven from the inside, so proper hydration and fueling throughout the day are essential for a successful workout,” Carter adds.
The survey was conducted by OnePoll.
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