Running rules for majority of Brits

A survey by recovery footwear brand OOFOS shows that running is the top choice for the majority of high-impact sports-loving Brits.

The popularity of pounding the pavements, trails or track shows no signs of slowing down, but how is this affecting our bodies?

• Almost half (46%) of the nation are runners
• Nearly 60% of Brits aged 45 – 54 years cite running as their sport of choice
• Half of those surveyed (52%) reported that high-impact exercise, like running, has negatively impacted their joints or caused an injury
• Only a quarter (27%) admitted to taking steps to aid their recovery following high-impact exercise

2^nd March 2022, London: A recent survey by recovery footwear specialists, OOFOS, has found that nearly 60% of Brits take part in high-impact sports or exercise at least once per month, with running proving the top choice – especially for those aged 45+.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll, found that almost half (46%) of the nation are runners, picking the sport as their top choice of high-impact exercise. HIIT workouts and football also proved popular, with a quarter (26% and 24% respectively) of endorphin-loving Brits choosing these types of activity.

High-impact exercise has risen in popularity during the pandemic through initiatives such as “The Body Coach” Joe Wicks’ home ‘PE With Joe’ HIIT workouts, and outdoor running proving a Covid-safe, legal and accessible form of activity even at the height of restrictions. Yet there is concern surrounding what high-impact exercise could be doing to our bodies, with over half of those surveyed (52%) reporting that this form of exercise has negatively impacted their joints or caused an injury. Despite this, only a quarter (27%) admitted to taking steps to aid their recovery every time they took part in high-impact exercise.

High-impact Generation Z

Young people (aged 18-24) proved the group who enjoyed high-impact exercise the most, with a huge 88% saying they took part in high-impact sports or exercise at least once per month. Of that younger group, there was a fairly even split between the forms of exercise they enjoyed, with running, HIIT, football, tennis and dancing all proving equally popular choices. However, in the older groups surveyed running was the clear winner, with 58% of 45-54-year-olds stating this as their preference.