New research suggests more than a quarter of Brits are set to cancel their gym memberships this year

Outdoor sport is back, and new research has found that Brits are turning their back on the gym in favour of more sociable fitness options in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stats sourced by 5-a-side football provider, Powerleague, asked 1,000 UK adults what they wanted from their exercise regime in 2021.

After a year of restrictions on seeing family and friends, it’s no surprise that almost three quarters (73%) of people are focused on seeing more of their family. Combine that with the fact that 69% want a more active lifestyle, and you’ve got a demand for a fitness activity that allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones. Even better if it takes place outdoors.

Women in particular are looking for alternative fitness options this year, with 30% set to cancel the gym in favour of something new. The majority of women (42%) said they prefer to exercise with someone rather than alone, and with social distancing restrictions likely to continue in gyms, the 33% of women who say they ‘don’t enjoy’ going to the gym is set to rise.

It seems people are turning to 5-a-side football as a potential outlet for their fitness needs moving forward. 54% said it’s on their radar either because of their ‘love of football’ or purely for the ‘fitness & social’ aspects. A team sport that gives you a full body workout in the outdoors? It could be the perfect solution.

Here, players tell us what it means to them to be able to get back on the pitch…

Jack Moore, 27, London says: “I love playing 5-a-side as it’s a great opportunity to connect with mates, have some fun and take your mind off things for an hour. Having been more or less cooped up in my flat for the last 3 months, the idea of getting my boots on and having a kick around and catching up with everyone is really exciting.”

Matt Vowles, 28 of Leeds says: “Can’t wait for 5-a-side to start back up again. Not only because I get to be kicking a ball about with mates again but because it’ll help shift some of this lockdown weight!”
Fergus Murphy, 25 from Peterborough says: “Really looking forward to being back playing. It’s always a highlight of the week to have a kick about and a beer with your mates. I think it’s sad that people play footy all throughout their childhood and then just stop playing it all of a sudden, and with 5-aside pitches on your doorstep there’s no reason why that has to be the case.”

Joelle Conway, Marketing Director at Powerleague said: “After a year of being locked indoors, it’s not a shock to see so many wanting to make the most of their time with their family and friends moving forward. However the lack of exercise we’ve all endured this year has also left people with a desire to get back out there and feeling their best again.

“Our sites aren’t just for football fanatics. We have amazing playing surfaces and we’re local! They’re a brilliant option for those wanting the workout of a HIIT class, in COVID-secure facilities in the great outdoors. We have women’s leagues and walking football, kids clubs and the regular leagues, so there really is something for everyone.”