A recent survey of UK adults has unveiled the top names that Brits would love to break a sweat with, just in time for National Fitness Day this Wednesday. The survey, which is as diverse as the UK’s fitness landscape, offers a glimpse into the nation’s workout fantasies.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Pilates session with your favourite pop star or lifting weights with a bodybuilding legend, the nationally representative survey of 2,271 UK-based adults had answers that spanned the gamut. Respondents named everyone from comedians and sports personalities to singers and TV presenters as their ideal workout buddies.
Top 5 dream male workout partners
- Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Joe Wicks
- Mr Motivator
- David Beckham
Top 5 dream female workout partners
- Margot Robbie
- Scarlett Johansson
- Dawn French
- Jane Fonda
- Joanna Lumley
Top 5 categories for the nation’s dream workout partner
- Actors and actresses
- Sports stars
- Partner/spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend
- Singers and musicians
- TV presenters
The top male workout buddies that most Brits would want alongside them in a workout are Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), followed closely by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Joe Wicks, Mr Motivator, and David Beckham. On the female side, Margot Robbie and Scarlett Johansson lead the pack, followed by Dawn French, Jane Fonda, and Joanna Lumley.
Interestingly, while the allure of working out with a celebrity is strong, eight per cent of Brits would still opt to exercise with their significant other. This suggests that for many, the emotional connection and quality time spent working out with someone familiar can make the experience more enjoyable.
The survey, commissioned by National Fitness Day organisers ukactive and conducted by Savanta, delved deeper into what drives Brits to stay active. Mental health emerged as the leading motivator, with 54% of respondents saying they exercise primarily for their mental well-being. Close behind was the desire to get in shape, cited by 49% of those surveyed.
Other key motivators include stress relief (41%), boosting self-confidence (32%), socialising (16%), and making new friends (8%). Clearly, the British public values exercise not just for its physical benefits but also for its positive impact on mental health and social well-being.
National Fitness Day: A day to remember
National Fitness Day, scheduled for this Wednesday, 20 September, is more than just a day – it’s a movement. This year’s theme, ‘Your Health is for Life,’ aims to inspire people to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. It’s the perfect chance to team up with your dream workout partner, whoever that may be, and try something new.
To make the day even more special, thousands of free activities will be hosted across the UK at various venues, including gyms, leisure centres, pools, sports clubs, schools, and workplaces. The goal is to make National Fitness Day the most active day of the year, encouraging people from all walks of life to get moving.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, summed it up best: “There are a million great reasons for being physically active throughout our lives, and these findings show how much people value the social and mental benefits, as well as the physical impact. We’re on a mission to make the UK the most active nation in Europe, so we’re encouraging people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to join the fun and commit to being more active every day of the year.”
