Millions of Brits went on a health kick this year.
According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, many prioritised their fitness and stuck to new year resolutions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Of the four in 10 that started a new exercise regime, more than half (56%) stuck to it.
Men (61%) were more likely to carry on with their regime than women (50%).
And even those who failed to stick to their resolutions managed to keep them up for a sizeable amount of time.
Of those who didn't manage to maintain their exercise drive, the average person quit after 14 weeks – that’s more than a quarter of the year.
The study, by health and fitness app Jonple, found 47 per cent used the pandemic as a motivation to get themselves fit or stay in shape.
The most popular activities to keep fit were walking more (62%), followed by running (41%t), cycling (31%) and swimming (23%).
Andrew Jones, CEO and co-founder of Jonple, said: "The last nine months have been unprecedented with the pandemic putting huge pressure on the nation's mental and physical wellbeing.
"It is heartening to see how many people have set themselves a goal to get fit and managed to maintain it throughout the year.
"It is fair to say the pandemic has acted as a motivator for many people to improve their health in 2020.
"As we relax over the Christmas period with a few mince pies, many of us will be thinking about ways to build on the good work from 2020 or look at ways to improve our health and fitness next year."
Research also showed that alongside exercise regimes, almost one in five (18%) started a new diet in January 2020.
Impressively, 61% maintained these eating plans throughout the year but those who failed quit after just six weeks on average.
A third (33%) believe pandemic has given them a healthier approach to eating – but 16% think their meals are less balanced.
More than half (54%) went on fitness drives this year to lose weight, 56% to feel better mentally, 48% to look better physically and 55% aimed to improve their physical strength.
It also emerged that 67% typically exercised on their own and a fifth (20%) had someone else to keep them on their toes.
But having a workout mate is also important – with 57% more likely to stick with their exercise if they have someone to do it with.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 44% were negatively affected by gyms closing during the pandemic.
Jonple commissioned the research to highlight its new app, which uses the science and psychology behind nutrition and exercise to create personalised plans to help people get fit or stay healthy.
Andrew Jones, CEO of Jonple, added: "While we've made huge progress with the vaccines, 2021 remains a relative unknown and it is important to look after your physical and mental wellbeing.
"At Jonple, we are looking to challenge how people look at health and wellness by merging diet with structured tailored exercise and then psychology to help us understand what aspects of day-to-day life distract us from our goal or giving up altogether.
"As we look towards new year resolutions, small changes like a healthier and more nutritional diet along with exercise, be it a good walk, going for a run or even a bit of fresh air can be the first step towards helping to become a healthier happier you."
For more information, visit https://jonple.com.
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