Targus – a global leader in mobile accessories – has carried out research revealing that workers in the UK have the worst fitness habits in Europe. Results showed that over half of the nation admitted they struggle to fit in exercise around their working lives and an alarming 10% admitted to doing no exercise at all – the highest percentage compared to any other country.
The survey – conducted by OnePoll and carried out in seven countries across Europe – uncovered the key factors that are restricting people from living more active lifestyles, with a poor work/life balance and stress cited as the main reason by consumers.
Given a large part of the Dutch workforce pursues a healthy work/life balance with an average four-day working week, it comes as no surprise that respondents from The Netherlands topped the charts as the most active European country, with 45% of people exercising four times a week or more. Similarly, the Dutch also appeared to have a more positive work/life balance, with 70% claiming they do not struggle to find time to exercise.
Raphael De Perlinghi, EMEA Director at Targus, said: “People are nowadays far more aware of both the physical and mental health benefits an active lifestyle brings. However, these survey findings show there are still many people across a number of countries that are struggling to engage in regular exercise, due to both a lack of time and stress. With Targus’ Work and Play range of backpacks specifically designed for professionals looking to include sport into their daily routines, we wanted to offer the ideal accessory that essentially combines work and life.”
No gender gap in the gym
When it comes to the frequency of exercise among the sexes, men and women are just as health conscious across the continent with two thirds of men (67%) and women (64%) carrying out some form of activity at least twice a week.
There was, on the other hand, a contrast when it came to accessorising for the gym, with men (74%) much more likely to exercise if they can fit their work and gym stuff into just one bag, compared to women (59%).
De Perlinghi added: “The research revealed that men are far more swayed by convenience when it comes to exercise, especially when it comes to gym gear. We factor these requests into the design and creation of our products in order to deliver what is sought after in the market – our Work and Play collection carries not just your tech, but your gym stuff too, so you no longer have an excuse for not pursuing that before or after work exercise!”