1 in 13 office workers exercise in their lunch break
New research shows more than two million British office workers take part in some kind of exercise during their lunch break.
The study also revealed that 1 in 10 exercise with a friend, while half don’t bother to shower afterwards.
A new study has revealed that two million British office workers now exercise during their lunch break.
Keen to burn the calories, 1 in 13 office workers now run, go the gym or take part in some form of exercise class when they’re supposed to be taking time away from their desks for lunch, according to the study by sportswear brand Helly Hansen. The brand surveyed 1,500 office workers who exercise at lunch and found that rather worryingly, almost half did not bother to take a shower before returning to the office.
The majority of those surveyed said that exercising in their lunch break was the only way to keep active in their busy lives, while more than half said they performed better at work following an exercise session.
While the survey found that office workers were most likely to run three miles three times a week, it also revealed that many more preferred to go for a jog or swim. Although most office workers are only allotted a one hour lunch break, many of those questioned said they often took longer than they should on their midday break.
In addition to highlighting the trend of cramming in an exercise session at lunch, the survey also found key differences in the exercise patterns of male and female office workers. While most male workers named running as their top lunchtime activity, many female workers said that they were more likely to take part in a range of different activities including pilates and aerobics.
Commenting on the survey, a spokesperson for Helly Hansen said: “There is a definite trend of the nation’s workforce heading out on their lunch break and working up a sweat. Hectic lifestyles or feeling too worn out at the end of an arduous day in the office means the only real option is to incorporate exercise into the day.”
“It’s all too easy to stay slumped in your chair and not move during your lunch break, but those who venture outside work return to their desk feeling reinvigorated and ready to crack on with their workload. Therefore it’s good for our health and good for business.”