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Media release: New Zealanders embrace their ‘whole wellbeing’ over calorie counting

A Canstar Blue survey into the Most Satisfied Customers Award for gyms has revealed how New Zealanders are focused on their “whole wellbeing,” rather than just calorie counting. The shift reflects a global trend toward a more holistic approach to health. It also echoes New Zealand’s adoption of wellbeing as a measure of the country’s success.

Canstar Blue’s survey asked gym-goers about their gym lifestyles, and a huge 70% said they had become “more aware of my whole wellbeing,” while around a third also said they “watch my calories more.”  Almost 20% said they drink less alcohol than they used to as a result of going to the gym.

“Consumers see gyms as part of their broader lifetyles,” said Jose George, Canstar NZ General Manager. “Wellbeing has become far more than just a buzzword. People are looking holistically at their mental health, diet, lifestyle choices and exercise regimes.

“Gyms are evolving to meet these changing needs, and continue to be a really important part of New Zealanders’ modern lifestyle choices.”

The survey showed nearly half the respondents went to the gym three to five times a week, while 5% went every day. Another 13% went five to six times a week. Nearly 60% went for 30 – 60 minute sessions.

The main motivation for going to the gym was to improve general fitness, with losing weight also a factor. Mental health was also named as a reason for 6% of respondents.

People did list several pet hates, with over half being irritated by overcrowding and a third by people not sharing the equipment. Others were bothered by the gym being smelly, people not using towels, and unwelcome stares.

 

Drivers of satisfaction for gyms were led by value for money and atmosphere, followed by equipment and staff availability.

 

The survey identified Les Mills as the winner of the Most Satisfied Customers Award for gyms in 2019. It is the third year in a row the gym has won, with customers commenting on its good facilities and knowledgeable staff.

Dione Forbes-Ryrie, Managing Director of Les Mills said: “To win this three years in a row is a real credit to our team, who are always putting our members first. Our industry has evolved so much over the 50+ years we’ve been in business, and we’re proud to be recognised as taking more of a ‘whole person’ approach to health and fitness.

“For us it’s about making people fit to live the lives that they want to live – and everything that that encompasses. It’s great to see that our members appreciate what we’re offering, and we’ll continue to strive to do better and better by them.”

Please visit here for a full breakdown of findings.

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