We’re honoured to share that OriGym has been shortlisted for ‘Education Facility of The Year’ at the 2024 National Fitness Awards. As one of the most prestigious ceremonies in our industry, receiving this acknowledgment is testament to the quality of training we provide.

What Are The National Fitness Awards?

The National Fitness Awards (NFAs) is an annual event, established to recognise and honour the ‘best fitness facilities, gym instructors, and health clubs across the country’.

The highly anticipated event brings together some of the most high profile fitness professionals from across the UK. The ceremony itself celebrates the dedication and contribution of the nominees to the wider industry.

On their website, the National Fitness Awards recognises their ceremony to be:

“A platform that not only showcases the best practices but also inspires others to raise the bar and strive for excellence. It’s a fantastic event that provides an opportunity for networking, learning, and building relationships with other professionals and industry experts”

Why Is OriGym Nominated For The NFA’s Education Facility Of The Year?

We’re proud to be one of 6 nominees within our category, representing the very best education providers in the fitness industry.

The nomination process began a few months ago, following a virtual submission where we were asked to provide information relating to our teaching standards and the resources available to our students.

Following this, a representative from the NFAs visited OriGym headquarters in Liverpool to assess our learning facilities.

Being placed on the NFA’s shortlist echoes our mission statement of ‘Transforming Lives Through Educational Excellence’ as we strive to provide students with the highest calibre of education.

But our dedication to transforming lives reaches far beyond our students and alumni. We want every graduate to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to better the lives of their clients/students too – helping to shape a fitter and healthier nation.

OriGym’s students are at the heart of everything we do as educators. So much so, that we purposely put our core values in place to uphold our own high standards:

We Innovate: We are committed to adding new resources and features across our in-person and virtual learning facilities. One way we do this is through monitoring technological advancements that can make our courses more accessible.

This helps to promote inclusivity and allows us to teach more students from a diverse range of backgrounds.

We Exceed: No other training provider in the UK offers the same amount of tutor support as OriGym. Our team can be reached 7-days a week, to ensure our students get the help they need as and when they need it.

This decision was made following feedback from our students, who noted that they’d like course support outside of traditional office hours. On top of this, OriGym has the highest number of 5 star reviews among fitness training providers, with over 5,800 across Trustpilot and Google.

We Care: We care about the success of our students and graduates, and regularly champion their achievements across our social media pages. This is done through celebrations posts for passed assessments and career highlights:

To demonstrate this care even further, we offer unlimited career support for all our graduates. This includes:

• Guaranteed Job Interviews
• CV Analysis
• CV Distribution to Local Employers
• Mock Interviews
• Exclusive Alumni Discounts

What Mike Wardle, OriGym’s Head of Education Had To Say About Being Shortlisted For a NFA:

OriGym has had a great 2024 so far, and being shortlisted for the National Fitness Awards is yet another example of why we’re the UK’s #1 Training Provider.

At the start of this year we were awarded with CIMSPA ‘Enhancing’ Status (their highest rating) and also went on to win ‘Training Provider of the Year’ at the 2024 British Fitness Awards.

Enquire about our Personal Training Diploma today and find out first hand what makes OriGym an award winning provider. Alternatively, you can download our FREE course prospectus to learn more about all of our courses.

It’s official, OriGym is the British Fitness Awards (BFAs) Training Provider of The Year 2024! As one of the most prestigious accolades in our industry, we’re incredibly proud of this achievement and dedicate the award to our amazing team and students!

What Are The British Fitness Awards?

Established in 2014, the British Fitness Awards is an annual event recognised throughout the fitness industry. The ceremony celebrates the achievements of both independent and commercial businesses.

OriGym was one of 12 nominees in our category, with stiff competition from some of the biggest names in the industry. In addition to Training Provider of The Year, other categories recognised Personal Trainers, Independent Gyms, and Charities (just to name a few).

We’d like to say a big congratulations to every other winner and nominee across all 36 categories! It was a great experience to see achievements being celebrated across the entire industry!

To the British Fitness Awards we’d like to thank you for your hospitality and a truly memorable night enjoyed by all!

How Did OriGym Win Training Provider of The Year (BFA)?

The 10th Annual BFAs took place on Saturday 14th September, where it was announced that over 2 million votes had been cast – The most in BFA history!

The nomination process began back in April 2024 and continued on till August! Votes were cast online, which allowed our students, alumni and staff across the country to throw us their support!

The win reaffirms our mission statement of ‘Transforming Lives Through Educational Excellence’ as we strive to provide our students and alumni with a caliber of training worthy of this award.

Our students are at the heart of everything we do and are the reason why our values exist:

These values shape our identity as a company and are what makes us ‘The Training Provider of The Year’:

We Exceed: No other provider in the UK offers 7 day tutor support! But we implemented this to ensure that all of our students, regardless of their schedule, could access help when they needed it the most.

We’re also the highest rated provider in the country, with reviews on Google and Trustpilot far exceeding those of our competitors.

We Innovate: At OriGym we monitor technological advances and developments to promote inclusivity and accessibility across our platforms. This allows us to provide all of our students with an innovative way of learning!

We Care: Even after you graduate, OriGym is there to offer post-course career services to increase your chance of becoming employed. This includes securing guaranteed job interviews, editing your CV, and offering exclusive discounts hand chosen for our alumni.

We also regularly promote and highlight our students’ achievements across our social media pages, making sure others can celebrate their success.

Receiving this recognition from the British Fitness Awards is an incredible honour, but what makes it even more meaningful was that it was voted for by all of you!

Here’s What OriGym’s Managing Director Neil Cosgrove Had To Say About Winning ‘Training Provider of The Year!’

Before You Go!

Want to learn first hand why OriGym is the Training Provider of the Year? Enquire about our Personal Training Diploma here and discover why we’re considered the best in the entire industry.

Alternatively, download our FREE course prospectus to learn more about all our qualifications!

We’re proud to announce that OriGym has been shortlisted for Education Provider of The Year at the UKactive Awards (2024). This recognition is one of the largest and most prestigious accolades of its kind, with the ceremony celebrating excellence and innovation across the health, wellbeing & fitness industry.

What Are The UKactive Awards?

Established in 1991, UKactive was founded to help improve the health of the nation through promoting fitness and activity.

The awards were created to shine a light on the added value that organisations (such as OriGym) bring to the physical activity sector. They celebrate the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and getting more people as active as possible.

When discussing the awards and this years’ nominations, UKactive CEO said:

This year we have seen the UKactive Awards reach a new level of competitiveness, giving our judges their toughest task yet to choose from such a fantastic range of entries and nominations.

The UKactive Awards are the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the incredible work that individuals, organisations and partners do every day to keep the nation active and healthy and we can’t wait to welcome as many people as possible to celebrate with us on the night.

Why Is OriGym Nominated for Education Provider of The Year?

As one of only 7 finalists out of the entire health, wellbeing and fitness industry, this acknowledgement from UKactive reaffirms OriGym’s mission statement of ‘Transforming Lives Through Educational Excellence’.

This extends far beyond the students we qualify too, as our purpose is to equip graduates with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to transform the lives of their clients and students too.

Our ability to ‘transform lives’ is made possible by OriGym’s overarching values:

But what do these values actually mean and how do they translate to our UKactive nomination for Education Provider of the Year?

We Exceed: Firstly the services we provide far ‘exceed’ those offered by competitors. A clear example of this is our dedicated tutor support, which is available to students 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.

No other training providers in the UK offer these services, but it allows OriGym students to access support via phone, email or live chat when they need it most.

We made the conscious decision to extend our operating hours following feedback provided by students. This arose when these individuals requested appointment times beyond the typical ‘office hours’.

Our dedication to ‘exceed’ is echoed by the fact we’re the highest rated training provider in the UK, with over 5,100, 5 star reviews.

We Innovate: As an organisation we’re continuously looking for further resources and features that can be added onto our various platforms, in order to promote inclusivity and accessibility. Through this action we’re able to qualify students from a variety of backgrounds and abilities.

One way in which we do this is through monitoring the latest technological advances and developments. Through this we are able to update and adapt our current services in order to provide an innovative way of learning to all students.

We Care: OriGym’s commitment to ‘transforming lives’ doesn’t stop once our students graduate, as we continue to show how much we ‘care’ through the finest post-course career support. This includes:

• Guaranteed job interviews
  
• CV analysis & distribution
  
• Alumni exclusive discounts
  
• Free business & marketing resources

These services have helped to ensure we have the highest work placement rate in the UK – with 92% graduates landing their dream career in fitness.

We regularly monitor this employment rate and the success of our graduates. You may have even seen us champion these alumni members across our website and social media platform, an example of which can be seen below:

We take great pride in the fact that our graduates have gone on to forge successful careers, cultivating their own dedicated communities of like minded clients and students.

It’s this ‘ripple’ effect that supports the very purpose of UKactive, which is to promote health, wellbeing and fitness to as many individuals as possible. In short, our graduates and the clients they train have played a vital part in this nomination process.

OriGym’s Head of Education had this to say regarding the nomination:

The UKactive nomination continues our great year, as we were also recently awarded CIMSPA Enhancing Status, as well as being nominated for the prestigious British Fitness Awards’ Best Training Provider of the Year.

The ceremony takes place on Thursday 3rd October! But in the meantime, if you want to learn first hand what makes OriGym an ‘Award Winning’ training provider, check out our personal trainer courses here!

You can also download a course prospectus for FREE, to learn more about all our industry-leading qualifications.

We are thrilled to announce that CIMSPA has awarded OriGym with the highest rating on their quality assurance framework – ‘Enhancing’ status.

CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) introduced this framework in early 2024 to instil ‘confidence in the credentials of training providers’. The rating aims to reassure prospective students that their chosen qualifications meet the necessary standards within the fitness sector.

Think of it as being the fitness industry’s equivalent to Ofsted (the organisation that observes and assesses the management and operations of schools). According to the CIMSPA website, as the professional development body for the health and fitness industry, they strive to:

…shape a respected, regulated and recognised sector that everyone wants to be a part of, and that others are confident interacting with

To obtain a rating training providers (such as ourselves) will undergo vigorous quality assurance assessments. The process will be conducted by an imperial CIMSPA auditor. Specifically, these external reviews look at:

• Quality of Education Provisions
• The Learner Journey
• Marketing and Promotion Materials

When discussing the necessity of this framework, CIMSPA’s Quality Assurance Manager Linzi Waite had this to say:

“The CIMSPA quality assurance outcomes act as a standard for ongoing improvement in the industry, motivating education providers to aim for excellence and improve their services regularly.

By promoting accountability and transparency, the quality assurance framework benefits professionals seeking learning opportunities and encourages a shared dedication to elevating standards across the sport and physical activity sector.”

But what does ‘Enhancing’ actually mean and how does it relate to factors that are reviewed and assessed? Let’s take a closer look at each of CIMSPA’s ratings to understand how a higher rating aligns with quality training.

Analysing CIMSPA Quality Assurance Ratings:

Following the independent quality assurance review, there are three potential ratings a CIMSPA-endorsed training provider can receive:

• Enhancing: This rating assures potential students that the training provider is offering the highest quality provisions to learners.
• Enabling: This signifies that there is evidence of good practice, with minimal improvements needed.
• Emerging: The provider meets the minimum operating standards set by CIMSPA, but needs to implement actions to further adhere to standards and expectations.

Receiving an ‘Enhancing’ status following this assessment is a testament to the hard work of OriGym’s staff and the quality of the training we provide.

It also allows us to put this stamp of approval across our platforms, to offer immediate clarity to prospective, current and future students.

Here’s What OriGym’s Managing Director Neil Cosgrove Had to Say About Achieving ‘Enhancing’ Rating!

“Achieving the highest level ‘Enhancing’ status from CIMSPA’s Quality Assurance Team is the result of our team’s hard work and dedication to our students. We are proud of this recognition and will continue to provide the highest standard of training in the industry!”

Before You Go!

If you’d like to learn first-hand why OriGym’s courses have earned this industry-leading stamp of approval, enquire today about our Personal Training Diploma.

Our dedication to our students is exemplified by the services we provide, such as our expert tutor support which is available 7 days a week via phone, email and chatbox. But even after you graduate we will always be on hand, we’ll help organise a guaranteed job interview with one of our corporate partners.

You can also download our course prospectus for FREE to learn more about every OriGym qualification.

A gym is a place where people recharge, re-energise and recuperate their physical, mental and social batteries – but how important is an inclusive fitness space and just what impact does the gym have on our mental and physical health?

Following OriGym’s series of studies that have explored a spectrum of social issues within fitness and gym culture, this concluding report analyses how the fitness community has become more inclusive in recent years – and where improvements still need to be made.

As a health and fitness education provider offering inclusive personal training qualifications, we want to educate PTs, fitness instructors and gymgoers on how to create a safe and uplifting community for all.

The report also explores what factors make a perfect gym and highlights the benefits of exercise on both our physical and mental health.

The study reveals:

• In light of the sobriety movement, 1 in 6 gym goers attend to socialise – with men more likely to use the gym to find friends
• There has been a 41% rise in demand for in-person group workouts in the past 12 months, while 1 in 12 Brits are logging off apps to ‘avoid’ toxic social media
• Insights and experiences from a woman who has recovered from an eating disorder through fitness
• Location, choice of facilities and ‘favoured’ cardio area to make up components of the perfect gym, with the treadmill being the most in-demand apparatus

If you’re ready to kickstart your career in fitness you can, why not enrol on OriGym’s Level 3 PT Diploma? If you would like to learn about the full range of courses on offer ar OriGym, download our free course prospectus today!

What makes a positive gym experience?

In previous studies, we revealed not all gym experiences are the same. The Gym-timidation Study revealed 66% of women had felt some form of gym harassment by men, while in the Weight Stigma Study, 84% of plus-size and 84% of underweight gym goers all admitted to feeling negatively judged in a gym environment.

In a bid to create an inclusive environment for all, we want to understand what makes a positive gym experience.

Luke Hughes, founder of OriGym and Level 4 PT said: “A positive gym environment can be defined by several factors that contribute to the overall satisfaction and enjoyment of the workout session.

“One of the most important elements is having a supportive and motivating environment that encourages and empowers individuals to achieve their fitness goals. This includes having friendly and approachable staff members who are willing to provide guidance and assistance when needed.”

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case as OriGym’s Weight Stigma Study revealed 9% of plus-size gym goers had experienced weight discrimination from a personal trainer.

Luke adds: “Personal trainers have a duty of care and in a high-intensity environment like a gym, it’s important that gym staff and personal trainers are creating an inclusive atmosphere, especially towards those who feel out of their comfort zone.”

Other factors that can enhance the gym experience include having access to a variety of exercise options and classes, personalised training programs, and a sense of community and belonging among fellow gym goers.

But what are the mental and physical health impacts of a positive gym culture? And do people across the UK benefit from this culture?

Fitness Culture and Mental Health

Why are Brits choosing the gym to socialise?

Demand for ‘group gym classes’ are up 41% as 1 in 6 Brits go to the gym to socialise

The gym can offer the ideal social setting for many suffering from social anxiety, or even those looking to boost their social activity.

For those with social anxiety, setting and achieving fitness goals can give people a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem and confidence. Gyms are often filled with lots of like-minded individuals, so exposure to a more social environment can gradually build up a person’s confidence and reduce their anxiety.

In our Weight Stigma Study, we discovered that out of the Brits that attend or have attended the gym, 1 in 6 went to socialise. According to Google, there has been an increase in people looking to participate in more social-based fitness activities, like classes. In particular, the search term ‘group gym classes’ was Googled 41% more in the past 12 months.

Luke revealed why more people may be showing an interest in in-person group classes: “The gym offers a great setting for those with similar fitness-based interests and in a gym class, the environment is usually high-energy and fun. This common interest can often provide a basis for conversation and social interaction.

“By keeping up a regular fitness routine that is scattered with fitness classes, you can create a sense of accountability among participants, which can help build a sense of community and break down social barriers, making it easier for people to connect with one another.”

If you want to help continue to make the fitness industry feel inclusive, you can learn about the highest-paying fitness jobs in fitness to help others feel welcomed at the gym.

How does exercise benefit your mental wellbeing?

As exercise releases endorphins in your brain, regular gym activity can improve a person’s mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. A 2005 study about the mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity found that people who exercise regularly have lower levels of anxiety and depression than those who do not.

Brits swap booze for barbells: 1 in 6 Brits are choosing to socialise at the gym

As revealed, 1 in 6 Brits who have attended a gym have done so to socialise – these individuals could also be looking to meet new like-minded friends.

With Google searches for ‘how to go sober?’ up by 31% worldwide in the last year, the growing sobriety trend may too be the reason Brits are swapping booze for barbells.

The growing interest on social media is giving the movement added momentum. Love Island star, Dr Alex George, revealed on TikTok that he was giving up alcohol as it was ‘restricting his experience of life’. But he’s not alone, as the hashtag #sober has 5.3b views, #alcoholfree has 1.7b views and #soberlife has 1.6b views.

https://www.tiktok.com/@dralexgeorge/video/7176709522155785478

Where do Brits find friends?

Once you’ve finished school or graduated from university, it becomes increasingly hard to find friends outside of your already established social network.

And this is reinforced by YouGov, which revealed nearly half of Brits meet their close friends at work, other top places include in a person’s neighbourhood, online and at a party. Brits who do not have these social opportunities can feel excluded.

Others may feel discouraged about putting themselves out there and meeting new people, especially if they have had negative experiences with rejection or social anxiety in the past.

Finding other people that share similar interests, values and lifestyles can also be challenging. Ultimately, this could be one of the primary reasons why Brits are utilising the gym as a healthy alternative to meeting people.

Gym routine encourages other social plans, study finds 

According to a study about creating better versions of the self through exercise, when you stick to a fitness schedule, you’re likely to become more committed to plans outside of the gym.

Regular exercise can boost a person’s mood, confidence and help establish a routine, which combined could lead to increased motivation to participate in social activities.

Others may utilise the gym as a place to make more friends and meet new people. Gyms offer the opportunity to meet new, like-minded people, therefore by participating in these classes or training sessions, people often feel a sense of community and social support. This may encourage people to engage in other social activities outside of the gym.

Debuffing the gym’s ‘toxic masculinity’ status: Charity reveals gym’s changing landscape for men

Men are more likely to use the gym to find friends

Our Weight Stigma Study found that men were more likely to attend the gym than women (70% compared to 60% of women). While men were more likely to attend the gym to socialise (15% compared to 12% of women) and meet like-minded people (10% compared to 7% of women).

This sense of community could be integral for boosting men’s mental health, especially when the suicide rate among men is nearly 15% higher than among women, according to the ONS.

Going to the gym can provide men with a healthy outlet for stress, a sense of accomplishment, opportunities to socialise and showcase positive role modelling.

The Body Image Study revealed a third of men feel pressure to change their appearance because of ‘picture perfect’ beauty standards. While the Weight Stigma Study found that after experiencing some form of weight stigma, over a third of men who wore a UK clothing size of ‘small’ or under said they had modified their diet in order to change their build.

A majority of these men said this weight prejudice made them ‘want to build muscle’ while nearly a quarter said they’d ‘binge eaten’ because of weight discrimination and admitted it had a long-lasting effect on their mental health. Of the male gym-goers, nearly 1 in 10 admitted that they had been weight shamed in the gym. This could highlight a toxic culture of gyms being a space where men don’t feel accepted if they’re not a ‘normal’ build.

With that in mind, it’s never been more important to promote a positive, inclusive gym culture where all people and body types feel comfortable and welcome.

Men need a healthy space to feel accepted 

A study published about gender and social isolation across the life course has found that boys and men experience more social isolation than girls and women.

Generally speaking, women are stereotypically known for nurturing friendships with social plans and meet-ups. Some would argue that women have more opportunities to meet new friends via clubs, work, school playgrounds, mother and baby meet-ups and classes.

Generally, men tend to socialise in groups, with a focus on doing an activity like a game, a sport or in a social setting like a pub.

For centuries, the pub has been the social hub for men to hang out, relax and socialise. In particular, a 2020 YouGov study found that men missed going to the pub more than women during the pandemic by 35% compared to women’s 21%.

Cultural expectations and norms associated with masculinity have often left men struggling to deal with their emotions. With limited places to socialise, men are often restricted to where they can interact in a healthy setting – this could be why many are choosing the gym as a new meeting place.

Experts explain why there has been a positive shift in men’s role in the fitness industry

In the last few years, the fitness industry has implemented ways to become more inclusive. Although the gym can often be seen as a place which harbours toxic signs of traditional masculinity, men’s mental health charity MANUP? revealed the fitness landscape is changing for the better.

Dan Somers, CEO & Founder of MANUP? said: “[In my opinion] gym culture is no more toxic than any male-dominated workplace.

“From my experience, some of the more high street gyms seem to have issues, mates egging each other on and peering on women, etc. But recently, I’m getting feedback that it’s slowing down because, quite simply, it’s not being tolerated and is being called out more!”

He adds: “I’ve spoken with powerlifters, fitness coaches, boxers etc and rarely see anything ‘toxic’, I’m personally seeing a lot of change.”

He added:“In the powerlifter, boxing, and, I guess, semi-professional ‘gym world’, I see the toxic side of masculinity being pushed out, and for quite some time. The conversations are now being centred more around mental health.”

Graeme Hinde, founder of LFXWorld – a fitness events network agrees that there has been a positive shift in men’s gym culture.  

“I think the pandemic was the game changer for men’s mental health. The lockdown enabled a lot of men to start exercising and going on daily walks – I think they’d forgotten just how good physical activity made them feel mentally.

“When the second lockdown hit, men struggled a lot more because the weather during winter prevented them from getting out and exercising as much.”

Graeme said he has noticed more women engaging with equipment in typically male-dominated areas of the gym, with more women choosing to focus on weightlifting and strength exercises.

“In my opinion, I think that has given men an opportunity to share these often male-dominated spaces and become more respectful in the way they train in these areas. There’s still a long way to go but we’re definitely on the right track as an industry.”

Graeme added: “I think men in the fitness space have become a lot more open when it comes to talking about their feelings. It never used to be like that – particularly in fitness, men didn’t speak about how they felt.”

Instead of harbouring a culture of toxic masculinity, the gym can provide positive role models for healthy masculinity, as men can see other men setting goals, working hard, and taking care of their bodies in a healthy way.

Stigma at the Gym

Over 4 in 5 (84%) of plus-size & ‘underweight’ gym goers have felt judged at the gym

While 4 in 10 plus-size Brits avoid the gym because of weight worries

At OriGym, we teach budding personal trainers the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all people, whatever their size or fitness level. But our study has found many feel intimidated when stepping foot in their local gym.

This intimidation about working out was felt most strongly by gym goers who classed themselves as ‘obese’ and those that class themselves as ‘underweight’.

The survey revealed over 4 in 5 (84%) of the people in these weight brackets had experienced some form of weight judgement at the gym, while under a third (28%) of plus-size and less than a quarter (21%) of ‘underweight’ gym goers have said they don’t feel comfortable or welcome going to their local gym.

Of those plus size Brits that don’t, or have never attended a gym, over 4 in 10 (41%) said they had never been to the gym because they were ‘worried about people judging their weight’, while a third (33%) said they were ‘worried about people judging their performance’.

How to become a more inclusive personal trainer

As a personal trainer, it is essential to be inclusive and considerate of your clients’ struggles, insecurities,  diverse needs and backgrounds. All of these factors help to create a welcoming environment for new and recurring gym goers.  Here are some practices you can adopt in order to become an inclusive personal trainer:

1. Build a positive and respectful relationship with your clients. Take the time to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and create a safe and welcoming environment for them.
2. Respect your clients’ cultural backgrounds, including their beliefs, values, and practices. Be aware of cultural differences and avoid making assumptions or stereotypes.
3. Use inclusive language when communicating with your clients. Avoid using terms or expressions that could be offensive or disrespectful to them.
4. Consider your clients’ individual abilities and limitations. Adjust your training programs to their fitness level and any physical or medical conditions they may have.
5. Provide a variety of exercises and training options that cater to different body types, fitness levels and goals.
6. Be open to feedback from your clients and willing to adjust your training approach based on their needs and preferences.
7. Continuously educate yourself on cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion to better understand and support your clients.

By following these practices, you can ensure you are being an inclusive personal trainer and providing the best possible support to your clients.

Pressures of Online Fitness Culture

Is the fit-fluencer scene growing? A quarter of Brits get their fitness advice on social media

With the rise of social media and the increasing interest in health and wellness, the fitness influencer scene has exploded in popularity in recent years.

Of those surveyed in the Body Image Study, a quarter of Brits were using social media apps to keep up to date with diet and fitness advice. As fitness influencers are often seen as role models, many in the scene have garnered an increased follower count as people look to them for guidance and inspiration.

Unfortunately, with increased popularity comes an increased amount of criticism. Emily Robinson, who shares gym tips on her Instagram, @emilyrobinson.fit , says every influencer deals with negative comments online, but body-focused comments are especially common within the fitness space.

She told USA Today: “This is especially true with female fitness influencers. I’ve dealt with a wide variety of comments from both men and women such as ‘she doesn’t even have muscle definition – why should I listen to her?’ or ‘wow, she has to be on steroids.’

They’ll even go as far as to assume your gender, with comments such as ‘That has to be a guy’ or ‘I’m not sure if this is a guy or girl’ simply because you have more muscle mass than the average cover girl model.”

She admitted that these hateful comments can have a huge hit on her mental health.

Other ‘fitfluencers’ in this space have experienced online abuse.

Fitness influencer Yanyahgotitmade has experienced social media abuse before and during her pregnancy. One user told the coach that the ‘majority of men don’t like the way she is shaped’ while others were on hand to offer some unsolicited pregnancy advice.

Online hate: 20% of plus-size Brits have been weight-shamed on social media 

Fitfluencers aren’t the only ones to experience hateful comments online, as 20% of plus-size Brits admitted they had been weight-shamed on social media, in the Weight Stigma Study.

How to reduce hate and make social media a more inclusive space 

Lauren Black, creator of @loveglowheal and a body-positive social media influencer who suffered with anorexia for over ten years, says there is immense pressure being created by social media beauty standards.

She said to log off when social media starts to affect your mental health. Lauren says: “You can develop a sense of​ mindfulness by stopping yourself in the middle of your thoughts and saying ‘this might not be real.’

“When you’re feeling like this, take a break from your phone and go and do something else whilst using the likes of affirmations, that’s what I do.”

Rise in in-person workouts: 1 in 12 Brits feel like logging off to ‘avoid’ toxic social media 

In the Body Image Study, 1 in 12 Brits admitted that they felt like ‘avoiding social media for a while’ when social media was starting to negatively impact their mental health.

This could be why more people are choosing to log off apps and experience real life. Search activity has revealed more people are wanting to work out in person with the search term ‘group gym classes’ having been Googled 41% more this year.

Luke said: “Social media can have a profound and damaging effect on all of our mental health. Logging off, going for a run or working out with friends or in person at the gym can do wonders for your mood and energy,

“Working out in a gym or with a PT or friend provides a unique level of accountability, support and motivation that cannot be replicated online. The human connection and energy created during an in-person session is invaluable for boosting mental health, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being.”

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Battling body demons: How the gym became woman’s weapon against Anorexia

Fitness isn’t always about losing weight and getting killer abs. For a growing number of people in recovery from eating disorders, exercise has been the tool for aiding their journey.

For Sheffield cafe manager, Charlotte Allinson, 30, the gym has been a saving grace for building strength and a healthier lifestyle.

At the peak of her anorexia, at the age of 21, Charlotte’s initial social media health kick caused her to develop an eating disorder after she dropped to a tiny six stone.

After joining Instagram in her second year of university, Charlotte started to notice new diet trends on her feed at the time.

She said: “When Instagram was a new thing, I got sucked into the whole eating clean thing. At the time it wasn’t eating clean in a body positivity way, it was eating ‘0% sugar, 0% fat’ if you want to look good.”

“Then as I started to diet and join the gym and lose a bit of weight, I got sucked into wanting to lose more and more. Especially as I have quite an addictive personality, it just became obsessive.”

Things quickly got out of hand after she jumped on the scales one day to find she weighed 6st – the same weight as a 10-year-old girl.

She said: “My weight had gone down to 6 stone and I remember I lost my period completely. I can’t remember how long I lost it, but it was a significant amount of time.

“It got so severe I had to go to the doctor and have ultrasounds about it. At one point the doctor said to me that I might have trouble conceiving and having children in the future just because of how bad it had gotten.”

The doctor also warned her of other major health complications that could be triggered because of her anorexia and bulimia.

“They said I’d be more prone to heart attacks and my bulimia would be having a damaging effect on my gums and my teeth and warned my teeth could rot away. I think that made me snap out of it a little bit because for a while I felt like I was in a trance.”

Although the gym was one of her initial triggers, it has also helped her on her road to recovery. 

“When I first went to the gym I was going for the wrong reasons to lose weight, now I’m going to do activities that I enjoy, not to make my body look better but to make myself feel better internally. As well as the mental and physical benefits I gain from it.

“My physical health is a lot better, my periods have returned and I’m more lenient with myself now.”

For years, Charlotte suffered from exhaustion, feeling weak and low energy from over-exercising and limiting how much she ate. Now her focus is building strength.

At the peak of her disorder, Charlotte would go to the gym every single day, sometimes twice a day. She said: “I think because I was underweight and weak for so long, I now have the urge to be healthy and strong.

“I’m 30 now and I think the older I get I realise that you do get old, your body doesn’t last forever and you do need to take care of it. And for me, running is great for building up strength around your joints and weights have helped add to my upper body strength. I don’t want to get to 50 and think I should’ve done more for my physical health.

“My focus is no longer being skinny.”

She has advice for people who want to stay active but are worried about the potential of slipping into an over-exercising routine.

She says: “My advice would be to definitely take it steady and if you know a personal trainer it’s worth getting advice on how to start a routine and how to diet and exercise in moderation.”

Fitness Culture and Physical Health

What makes the perfect gym

Everyone knows the benefits of exercise, it’s been proven to alleviate mental health, build  stronger muscles, provide more energy, improve weight management and aid better sleep. And as a place designed to offer and house a multitude of exercise apparatus, the gym is one of the perfect places for improving a person’s mental and physical health.

But what makes the perfect setting?  The perfect gym can mean different things to different people. However, there are some general factors that most gym goers look for.

Looking at equipment first, OriGym spoke with TrackMyGym, a multi-site gym consultant that digitises the gym floor and tracks data on a range of fitness equipment and surveys both gyms and attendants. Using data from 200+ gyms and 200,000+ surveys they found that:

The most popular cardio machines are:

1) Treadmills

2) Cross Trainers

3) Upright Cycles

The most popular resistance machines are:

1) Dual Adjustable Pulley Cables

2) Lateral Pulldown

3) Leg Press

OriGym also spoke to LFXWorld, a fitness events network that works directly with fitness centres to improve their gym offering. LFXWorld asked staff at 50 centres what were the key factors attracting members. The results are below:

Why do people say they have chosen to join your centre/club?	Percentage
Location/convenience	50%
Facilities	39%
Value	27%
Community aspect/friends already members	22%
Staff	22%
Which single activity/session attracts the most members?
Gym	61%
Swimming lessons/aquatics	27%
Classes	16%

From the survey results, unsurprisingly one of the key factors attracting new gym members is the convenience of location. When a centre can be easily accessed by its local community it will attract more members who can incorporate gym time into their daily routine.

Gyms that have a positive atmosphere and members who already had friends there rated this as a positive centre attribute. A gym with a social and welcoming environment can make it a more enjoyable and motivating place to work out.

When gym-goers feel welcome and included in their fitness community, they are more likely to enjoy their workout routine and stick to it. This can help increase their motivation, consistency and ultimately achieve their fitness goals.

A 2022 study looked at how social support affected exercise participation among college students and found it had a significant positive predictive effect on exercise adherence. This could be because having a friend or social support group at the gym can create a sense of accountability and motivation that keeps them coming back. By contrast, those who feel isolated or uncomfortable in the gym may struggle to build a consistent workout routine.

What are Brits’ preferred gym equipment?

In OriGym’s Gym-timidation Study, we found that men and women had different responses regarding which equipment they preferred and avoided.

The nationwide study found that all men that attend the gym would prefer to use the cardio machines, such as treadmills and rowing machines. As some of the most expensive pieces of equipment at the gym this makes the most financial sense, as people are much more likely to be able to do resistance training and use free weights at home.

The area of the gym that men were most likely to avoid was the group classes. As community fitness classes tend to focus on cardio-based activities in a group setting, the results show that men prefer to use gym equipment for their cardio needs.

Favoured gym areas for Brits:

• Cardio equipment
• Resistance area
• Free weights

Feeling safe at the gym

Quarter of female gym goers avoid resistance and weight areas

Women, transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid people admitted to avoiding the resistance area the most in the gym. In stark contrast, 39% of men typically use the resistance area.

28% of women gym goers who mostly avoid the resistance area cite the reason as ‘it’s mostly men in there’ and 18% admitted to men making them feel uncomfortable there.

Crossing the divide into male-dominated spaces appears to be highly intimidating, and some feel comfortable in different areas of the gym.

Should gyms have women’s-only resistance and weights area?

Luke gave his thoughts: “Creating exclusive areas for women in gyms is an important way to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable space to exercise.

“This is not about excluding men, but rather providing an additional option for women who sometimes feel intimidated or uncomfortable in shared areas. When women feel more comfortable and confident during exercise, they are more likely to continue with a healthy and active lifestyle, which is crucial for their overall wellbeing.”

The health benefits of going to the gym

Studies have shown that exercise has numerous benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, increasing muscle strength and endurance, and helping manage weight.

According to the British Heart Foundation, regular exercise can reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases by up to 35% – the leading cause of death worldwide. Additionally, a 2016 study about the effects of resistance training found that resistance training can increase muscle strength and endurance, which is essential for maintaining a healthy body.

The most popular fitness trends in 2023

From new workout styles to cutting-edge equipment, the world of fitness is always on the move. Now, data reveals the most popular fitness trends we can expect to see in 2023.

Loved by the cycling community, Onelap can be used in gyms in tandem with indoor bikes. It creates a realistic environment of a natural cycle track, while a physical model simulates the gradient, wind and rolling resistance of a journey. You can tailor every aspect of your avatar, bike and route — whether it’s a hilly, flat or mountainous route.

With a 54% increase in search volume, Rear Delt Exercises are a popular fitness trend this year. These types of exercises target the rear deltoid muscle, which is located on the back of the shoulder. The rear deltoid muscle plays an important role in stabilising the shoulder joint and helping to move the arm backwards, away from the body. Some examples of this exercise include:

• Face Pulls: This exercise is performed using a cable machine and involves pulling the cable towards your face while keeping your elbows high and wide.
• Incline Rear Delt Raises: This exercise is performed lying face down on an incline bench with a dumbbell in each hand and lifting your arms out to the side in a reverse fly motion.

Push-day workouts are another type of exercise trending right now. This type of workout focuses on pushing exercises, such as chest presses, shoulder presses, and triceps extensions. The workout is designed to target the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps.

This exercise has been shared by users on TikTok, the hashtag #pushworkout has a collective 79.6M views overall, while #pushday itself has a huge 519.6M views.

As these types of workouts focus on building upper body strength and muscle, they tend to be more popular among the male demographic. For example, a study about gender differences in exercise in 2013 found that men were more likely to engage in strength training, while women were more likely to engage in aerobic exercise.

Are there expectations for men and women to work out a specific way?

Traditionally, there have been expectations for men and women to work out in specific ways based on gender roles and stereotypes.

While men have tended to sway to muscle-building exercises like strength training and weight lifting, while women have been expected to focus on cardio and weight loss. These expectations have been reinforced through media, marketing, and cultural messaging, which have perpetuated the idea that certain types of exercise are more appropriate or desirable for men or women.

These days, partly due to the exposure of fitness trends, workouts, and fitfluencers on social media, these expectations are increasingly being challenged as more people recognise the importance of a diverse range of exercises for overall health and fitness.

How to conquer workout stereotypes

Luke Hughes explains why it’s important to diversify your workouts and shun standard exercise stereotypes: “Today, people in the fitness industry are challenging workout stereotypes and encouraging individuals to engage in a variety of different types of exercise based on their personal interests and goals, rather than conforming to traditional gender cliches.

“Speak directly to a personal trainer, try a different type of workout on YouTube or TikTok or even attend a gym class that you wouldn’t usually attempt. You might find that you enjoy or are more suited to a different type of exercise.”

The Takeaway

From women wanting female-only gyms to social media’s impact on body image and the weight stigma problem affecting the nation, our series of studies have highlighted the worrying social issues affecting the fitness industry.

Now, the Gym-clusivity Study highlights the positive impact of the fitness industry on British people’s physical and mental health, as well as its increasing inclusivity. We’ve found, men, in particular, are using the gym to socialise, and group fitness classes are becoming more popular. Experts say that the gym environment has become more respectful, while studies have shown the gym has helped those with mental and physical disorders recover. The study also identifies the perfect equipment and setting for a gym and suggests ways to create a dynamic and progressive future landscape.

Methodology

• Google and TikTok data
• Other stats have been linked to source and studies throughout
• Stats taken from the Gymtimidation study, Body Image Study and Weight Stigma study all of which were based off nationwide Censuswide surveys with 1000 – 2100+ respondents.
• TrackMyGym – 1,000+ detailed gym analysis at a wide variety of gyms, budget to luxury – across UK, EU and USA. This is from sensors attached to the equipment, face to face surveys on tablets – 200+ per gym analysis and from over 200,000+ surveys.
• LFXWorld – Survey results from 45 local authority leisure providers, which cover 1 – 10 gyms each

Under a third (28%) of plus-size and 1 in 5 (21%) of underweight gym goers have said they don’t feel comfortable or welcome going to their local gym, according to a nationwide survey.  

Unfortunately, weight discrimination within society and the fitness industry is something that is often normalised, leading those who don’t fit the ‘norm’ to internalise body insecurities. As a health and fitness education provider, we offer an inclusive personal training diploma, we want to educate PTs, fitness instructors and gym goers on weight stigma in the community.

This report looks at the experiences of weight shaming in society, the media, at the gym and in the wider fitness community. The report explores recent research and highlights statistics that show the worrying weight stigma associated with the British health and fitness scene.

If you’re ready to kickstart your PT career, why not enquire about OriGym’s Level 3 Personal Training course? Alternatively, if you would like to learn more please download our free course prospectus to discover our full range of courses.

The results revealed:

• Over half of plus-size people have felt ‘fat-shamed’ in society – family, friends and doctors surgeries are the worst contenders
• Nearly half of plus-size Brits say weight stigma has had a long-lasting effect on their mental health, with over 2 in 5 (41%) of these people having ‘binge eaten’ and 33% having ‘starved themselves’ after weight shaming
• Almost 1 in 5 (18%) plus-size gym-goers say they have been ‘laughed at’ in the gym, while 1 in 3 ‘underweight’ gym-goers say they have been ‘excessively stared at’ in the gym

3 in 5 Brits have been ‘weight-shamed’ at some point in their lives

This percentage increases to 85% for plus size people 

The study of over 2000 Brits revealed that 3 in 5 (58%) of people said they had felt weight-shamed at some point in their lives. At the same time, nearly 7 in 10 (67%) of Brits have said they would like to either lose or gain weight.

According to the survey, a large majority of the British public have felt some form of weight discrimination in their lives – whatever their size.  Weight discrimination can be described as a negative attitude towards someone based on their weight status and isn’t limited to those who are plus-sized. The survey indicated weight discrimination can be felt by those across the weight spectrum.

In the study, those who classed themselves as ‘obese’ had received the most weight-related judgements. Over four-fifths (85%) of these plus-size Brits revealed they had been weight shamed at some point and said they’d felt the most discriminated against by ‘general society’, by their own family and at the doctor’s surgery.

Those who consider themselves ‘obese’ have felt weight-shamed in the following environments:

How common is weight-shaming in the gym?

Over 4 in 5 (84%) of plus-size and ‘underweight’ gym goers have felt negatively judged at the gym 

At OriGym, we teach budding personal trainers the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all people, whatever their size or fitness level. But our study has found many feel intimidated when stepping foot in their local gym.

This intimidation about working out was felt most strongly by gym-goers who classed themselves as ‘obese’ and those that class themselves as ‘underweight’.

The survey revealed over 4 in 5 (84%) of the people in these weight brackets had experienced some form of weight judgement at the gym, while under a third (28%) of plus-size and less than a quarter (21%) of ‘underweight’ gym goers have said they don’t feel comfortable or welcome going to their local gym.

Of those plus size Brits that don’t, or have never attended a gym, over 4 in 10 (41%) said they had never been to the gym because they were ‘worried about people judging their weight’, while a third (33%) said they were ‘worried about people judging their performance’.

Gym-goers who class themselves as ‘obese’ say they had the following gym experiences:

I’ve experienced some kind of weight judgement at the gym	84%
Been made to feel uncomfortable	28%
Been excessively stared at	24%
Had someone laugh or make fun of you	18%
Had someone pass comment on your body	16%
Seen someone whisper to other gym members	16%
Been made to feel unwelcome by other customers	16%
Been made to feel unwelcome by gym staff	16%
Had comments on your performance in the gym	11%
Been told not to go on/use specific equipment	8%
Had someone record/take pictures of you	6%

In a shocking reveal, the survey found that almost 1 in 5 (18%) plus-size people have experienced being ‘laughed at or made fun of’ at the gym and over 1 in 6 felt equally unwelcome by gym staff and other customers.

Gym-goers who class themselves as ‘underweight’  say they had the following gym experiences:

I’ve experienced some kind of weight judgement at the gym	84%
Been excessively stared at	31%
Been made to feel unwelcome by other customers	21%
Seen someone whisper to other gym members	17%
Had someone laugh or make fun of you	17%
Been told not to go on/use specific equipment	17%
Been made to feel uncomfortable	14%
Had someone pass comment on your body	14%
Had comments on your performance in the gym	14%
Been made to feel unwelcome by gym staff	10%
Had someone record/take pictures of you	7%

Those who classed themselves as ‘underweight’ admitted they’d had equally unpleasant experiences in a fitness environment as nearly a third (31%) admitted they had been ‘excessively stared at’.

Despite not knowing anyone’s level of strength and agility, over 1 in 6 (17%) of ‘underweight’ gym-goers said they had been warned off specific gym equipment too.

In the survey’s open responses, some people said this kind of negative judgement made them ‘inspired to work out harder’ while others said they ‘took advice at face value’.

Others had internalised the negative judgement they had received saying they felt ‘angry’ and ‘depressed.’

Un-Hinged: Dating apps are one of the worst places for weight-shaming judgements

The rise of swipe-based dating apps has enabled daters to prioritise looks when choosing a potential partner. Seeing a never-ending stream of faces and bodies has seemingly had a negative effect and emboldened users to become more critical.

This is highlighted in the report, as over 1 in 6 plus-size users were on the receiving end of weight discrimination. This is compared to only  4% of ‘underweight’ and 3% of ‘slim’ people.

Can’t choose your family: 4 in 10 plus-size & quarter of ‘underweight’ Brits have been weight-shamed by relatives

The last place you expect to feel criticised is in your home, but that’s where a fifth of Brits felt body shamed. The survey revealed family members are some of the most common sources of weight stigma.

This increases for those that don’t fit the ‘normal’ weight bracket, with 4 in 10 plus-size Brits having been at the receiving end of a scathing comment or weight-related judgement. A quarter of those who classed themselves as ‘underweight’ had also been critiqued for their body shape and frame.

This weight discrimination inflicted by family members can be considered a form of emotional abuse that runs the risk of leaving long-lasting psychological scars. Awareness of your body shape can start as early as childhood and our opinions of others are often passed on from our parents or other family members.

Women are more likely to be weight-shamed than their male relatives

Whether it’s the body-image pressures of a culture or earlier generations, family members are the cause of weight stigma for nearly a fifth of Brits. This figure increases among women as over 1 in 5 (22%) of women say they have felt weight-shamed by family, compared to only 14% of men.

In a 2012 study of familial links in weight stereotypes and predictors of stereotypes among girls and their parents, it found that female respondents carried memories of being weight-shamed by their mothers which led to issues of self-confidence. Other respondents felt that the cause of criticism was mothers’ projecting their own insecurities about societal expectations.

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Nearly half of plus-size Brits who’d felt weight shamed said it had ‘lasting effect’ on mental health

With 41% having ‘binged eaten’ and 33% having ‘starved themselves’ after weight shaming 

Whether you’re receiving a compliment or criticism, any comment relating to your body or weight can have a long-lasting impact on your mental health. Even compliments about your frame or performance can be unwelcome in the gym, as revealed in our study about Gymtimidation.

This unwarranted feedback has been particularly harmful for a quarter of Brits and half of those who consider themselves plus-size.

This impact on people’s mental health has also affected them physically. In the study, 4 in 10 plus-size Brits said weight stigma had led them to ‘binge eat’, while almost 3 in 10 said it had ‘put them off adopting healthy habits completely’. Even more shocking is that almost 1 in 5 plus-size Brits admitted they had developed some kind of eating disorder after experiencing this weight discrimination.

Those who consider themselves ‘obese’ say weight-shaming has had the following effect:

Over a third of ‘slim’ men ‘modify their diet’ & want to ‘build muscle’ after weight discrimination

Although weight discrimination is usually equated to women or those with a bigger build, the survey highlights that weight stigma has a profound impact on slimmer men too. Our previous study looked at how the ‘picture perfect’ body image affects mental health and found over 40% of men want to build muscle & 1 in 10 would try steroids to bulk their frame.

This also coincides with the responses received in this recent survey.  After experiencing some form of weight stigma, over a third of men who wore a UK clothing size of ‘small’ or under said they had modified their diet in order to change their build. A majority of these men said this weight prejudice made them ‘want to build muscle’ while nearly a quarter said they’d ‘binge eaten’ because of weight discrimination and admitted it had a long-lasting effect on their mental health.

You can pursue a high-paying fitness job and start helping people gain confidence exercising in a gym environment.

Men who wear a size S or under say weight-shaming has had the following effect:

‘Looks sell’ – PT reveals there is ‘pressure’ to look a certain way in the fitness industry

Julia Buckley, 45, is the best-selling author of The Fat Burn Revolution and a Level 4 online fitness trainer at Julia Buckley Fitness where people can join up and work out with her.

She says there is often pressure to look a certain way as a PT but says some of her worst criticism has been from social media users.

Julia, who this year has become more toned and muscular, says that she has seen an increase in positive comments since her recent shred.

She said: “I get a lot more compliments on how I look on my social media posts now I’m leaner – I also get more people asking about my workouts.”

But she admits there have been negative comments both before and after, she said: “One person left a comment under one of my workout videos saying ‘why are your thighs wobbling when they should be toned?’

“There were a couple of others along the lines of ‘she doesn’t look like a fitness trainer.’ Now I’m leaner, I sometimes get comments saying I’m ‘too thin’ or people saying they think I looked better before. As if I put all that effort into getting leaner and gaining more muscle just to be attractive to them personally, you’ve just got to laugh at that attitude!”

Although she admits there is pressure to look a certain way as a PT, much of her feedback in the fitness industry has been positive.

She said: “There’s no doubt that ‘looks sell’ – you’ve only got to look at who the most popular trainers are on Instagram to see that.

“[But] my feeling is that the fitness industry itself is actually more enlightened in knowing fitness is not just a ‘size’.”

The weight stigma stats have come as a surprise to Julia who has only witnessed positive support of people of all sizes. She does think that people have found more comfort in working out in the comfort of their own homes and thinks body confidence could be an element of why this has risen in popularity.

“I offer home workouts and I do have many clients who prefer to work out at home because they feel less self-conscious than in a gym setting.

“Often that’s also about wanting to avoid performance comparisons and competition as anything to do with judgments on size, but for sure that is a factor for some.

“I totally get it, I’m not a massive fan of working out in gyms either – I’d rather just do my own thing in my own space without eyes on me – as trainers we probably get judged more than anyone!”

The PT has offered advice for anyone looking to protect their confidence, self-esteem and mental health whilst working out in the gym.

She says: “It can definitely help to start out with home workouts. That way you’ll have more confidence in how to exercise as well as a base of fitness when you go into a gym.

Working with a trainer will help too, but the main thing is to just focus on your own training. The vast majority of people in gyms are often more concerned with how they themselves look than how you do. Try not to look around comparing yourself to anyone else – just focus on yourself and your workout.”

#fatshaming has 393M views on TikTok

In good and bad ways, social media has fuelled communication. Unfortunately, as most internet trolls have the benefit of hiding behind an anonymous profile, name-calling, negative comments and prejudice has become commonplace.

Anyone can be on the receiving end of a scathing comment, but our study reveals that those who identify as ‘obese’ have the worst time online. This is highlighted as a fifth of those who have experienced weight discrimination said they have been weight shamed on social media.

https://www.tiktok.com/@evmariexo/video/7127093427048697130

https://www.tiktok.com/@teamrh.uk/video/7012974536694025478

https://www.tiktok.com/@_kirstyelizabethmoore_/video/6864980061280390405

Recent social media trends have also incited weight shaming online, especially on TikTok. From ‘fat face’ filters to unsolicited recordings of people working out, TikTok has become a hotbed for fatphobia to thrive. On the app, videos with the hashtag #fatshaming have been viewed nearly 400m times, as many users share their experience of being weight shamed, particularly at the gym.

These unpleasant experiences have shunned people from going to the gym as one user, @mariateresa5132, comments on the ‘body shaming at the gym’ TikTok video saying “Well done, I’m fat and that’s why I don’t like going to the gym. You know what most people are thinking.”

Should filming in the gym be banned?

Recording your workouts helps you track your exercises, check your form and allows you to see your workout from a whole other perspective. The only downside to doing this in a public space, like a gym, is that you may be inconveniencing those around you.

As the OriGym survey has revealed that 3 in 50 gym-goers who don’t fit the ‘normal’ body type have experienced people recording them at the gym, this might be why video recording is generally shunned by people. Although some of these experiences may have been accidental with gym-goers recording themselves, the point still remains that people have been made to feel uncomfortable. So should recording at the gym be banned? This is what OriGym founder Luke Hughes has to say on the matter:

Other gyms have put a stop to recording completely, with some even banning the practice, while others like the Gym Group have put rules in place to deter unsolicited recording.

Gym Group state that gym-goers are ‘ welcome to take photographs and video recordings on the gym floor for personal use only’ but if anyone appears in the recordings or photographs they ‘must ask their consent first’. They also state that they may ask you to show them any images you have taken in the gym and delete them if they have received a complaint from another member. If a team member asks you to stop filming or taking photographs, then you have to, or risk being ejected too.

How exercise can help weight management

Over 4 in 10 plus-size Brits avoid the gym because they’re worried about other people’s weight judgements. This is especially distressing, as the gym provides an array of equipment that can help with weight management.

According to the NHS, 1 in 4 Brits are classed as overweight with a BMI of 25 or more, while YouGov has revealed that over a quarter of Brits don’t exercise at all during the week.

This is worrying as exercise is a key component to add to your lifestyle when maintaining a healthy weight. It helps to increase the number of calories that you burn, decreases appetite, improves cardiovascular function, and promotes a sense of psychological well-being.

With a high number of plus-size Brits avoiding the gym because of weight worries, there needs to be further improvement to create an inclusive environment in gyms across the UK.

What can gyms and PTs do to alleviate the body-shaming problem?

At OriGym, we promote inclusivity within a fitness setting and this is what is taught in our personal training diploma. As personal trainers, we recognise both customers and gym staff can feel intimidated by the pressures of a fitness environment. As highlighted, this gym anxiety is mostly felt by those who don’t fit an athletic, average or slim body type.

Gym staff and personal trainers have a responsibility to call out bad gym etiquette when they see it: call out any weight-shaming or prejudice when it happens, make a client feel comfortable – especially if they’re showing signs of anxiety and answer any unasked gym-etiquette questions from the beginning.

Methodology

We surveyed 2,029 Brits using Censuswide, to find out about their experiences of weight stigma in society and at the gym. The sample included women, men, transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid people (and an ‘other’ option to specify a different gender not listed). They ranged between 16 and 55+ from across the UK.

We also used Google Trends and TikTok hashtag data to show the popularity for trends and searches, when comparing Jan 2022 vs. Jan 2023.

Statistics:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2004.12 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/ 

https://yougov.co.uk/topics/society/articles-reports/2020/01/20/quarter-brits-dont-do-single-half-hour-exercise-se 

Fair use statement

If you want to share our study, any findings or images from the study, please credit with a link to this page.

2 in 5 Brits have said that not being able to achieve the ‘picture perfect’ body image affects their mental health.

That’s the stark reality shaping our nation, with the impact of weight loss social media advertising, influencers and celebrity standards, leading those who don’t fit the mould to feel ashamed and 9 in 10 wanting to change their appearance.

As advocates and experts of safe health and fitness regimes, we surveyed over 2,000 social media users of all ages and genders to create ‘The Body Image Study’. These body image statistics reveal the demanding picture perfect perceptions created on social media, and by celebrities and influencers, on the UK people.

The results revealed:

• Nearly half of Brits say social media, filters, celebrities and reality TV are reasons for wanting to change appearance
• 1 in 4 won’t upload a selfie without a filter or editing first
• Almost three-quarters of female Millennials and Gen Z have considered cosmetic alterations
• Almost a third of Gen Zs feel ‘ugly’ & 1 in 6 ‘can’t be intimate with someone’ because of social media beauty standards

If you have an interest in following a fitness career, you can learn more about OriGym’s L3 PT Diploma! Download our course prospectus to discover our full range of courses!

Why are Brits struggling with their body image?

Nearly 9 in 10 Brits have said they want to change their appearance

Society’s beauty standards and the pressures of social media can be tough to bear. The results of our study reveal that a huge 9 in 10 people admitted to wanting to change their appearance – citing social media, filters, celebrities and reality TV as some of the main reasons why.

According to Statista, people in the UK spend approximately 108 minutes per day on social media. As a consequence, frequent exposure to picture perfect lifestyles, influencers, celebrities and filtered or edited pictures, may affect people’s perceptions of what’s normal.

What’s more, being subjected to social media’s weight loss advertisements and meal replacement promotions may lead to unhealthy weight management.

Nearly half of Brits say social media, filters, celebrities & reality TV are reasons for wanting to change appearance

The report establishes that negative body image is a very real concern, with many taking measures to change their appearance, be that temporary or permanent.

Being exposed to picture perfect bodies online and in the media has altered the way Brits perceive themselves, as highlighted by the survey.

These factors were the reason why nearly half of Brits were dissatisfied with their appearance and influenced to strive to achieve unattainable body standards:

Almost 1 in 4 want to change their appearance because of social media filters

Whether it’s browsing through edited Instagram images or using a Snapchat filter to morph your face, social media can distort people’s view of themselves and influence what they feel they should look like. This is highlighted in our report, as 1 in 4 Brits say they’ve been influenced to alter their appearance because of social media filters.

Filters, which tend to smooth skin, slim the face, whiten teeth, contour features and apply ‘make-up’, have quickly trickled into mainstream beauty standards and aesthetic expectations.

Global Web Index revealed Gen Z’s daily screen time is estimated at 8 hours. This could explain why facial and body dissatisfaction increases even more among the youngest generation. Our study found that 2 in 5 of 16 to 25-year-olds admitted they wanted to alter their facial appearance because of social media filters.

Higher percentage of Gen Z was affected by the following factors:

1	Social media filters	40%
2	Celebrities	39%
3	Social media/TV influencers	36%
4	Love Island	25%
5	Other reality TV	18%

Love Island has influenced 1 in 6 to change their appearance

In its seven years on air, Love Island has had its fair share of controversy. Now, our statistics reveal the show has had a profound effect on people’s self-esteem and body image, as 1 in 6 admitted to wanting to change their appearance because of the reality TV show.

Men were slightly more influenced to change their appearance because of Love Island (16% to women’s 15%). We also found Love Island had made 25% of Gen Zs and nearly 1 in 4 of 26 to 34-year-olds want to change their appearance.

What do Brits most want to change about themselves?

Almost 3 in 5 Brits want to lose weight and nearly half have considered cosmetic surgery

The feeling of having the perfect body is something that’s applying immense pressure to plenty of Brits. And, according to our report, losing weight is the main thing people want to change about themselves – as 3 in 5 said they wanted to reduce the number on the scales.

In this day and age, injectables are as easy to shop for as groceries and exposure to treatments are readily exhibited on social media. This might be why nearly half of Brits surveyed were willing to make more permanent alterations, admitting they have considered or undertaken cosmetic surgery – with dental enhancements, boob jobs and botox being the main wants.

Respondents could give multiple answers, to highlight all the changes they wanted to make.

Men and women had different appearance considerations, but losing weight was the main priority for both

The results of the OriGym survey reveal widespread face and body image issues among social media users. In reviewing the responses, it appears that facial cosmetic surgery and losing weight were the main considerations for women. Men were more likely to want to build muscle or consider a hair transplant or nose job.

Top 10 changes women wanted to make: 

1	Lose weight	66%
2	Tone body	28%
3	Dental enhancement	28%
4	Have botox	18%
5	Have lip filler	17%
6	Have breast augmentation	16%
7	Build muscle	15%
8	Have liposuction	14%
9	Have facial filler	11%
10	Have hair extensions	10%

Top 10 changes men wanted to make:

1	Lose weight	45%
2	Build muscle	40%
3	Dental enhancement	19%
4	Tone body	15%
5	Gain weight	14%
6	Use steroids	9%
7	Have hair transplant	8%
8	Have botox	6%
9	Have nose job	5%
10	Have liposuction	5%

Over 40% of men want to build muscle & 1 in 10 want steroids

Although losing weight was the number one want for all men, building muscle was a closely followed desire. We found that 4 in 10 men said they would like to increase their muscle mass, while 1 in 10 admitted to wanting to or taking steroids.

The interest in steroids is also a growing topic on social media. The hashtag #steroidtransformation which is used on steroid users’ before and after transformation videos has reached 20.9m views on TikTok. This could indicate a worrying trend that the Class C drug is appealing to a younger audience, who are generally more inclined to use TikTok and are looking to artificially build their muscle mass.

Luke Hughes, Level 4 Personal Trainer and Owner at Origym, commented that steroid use in the fitness industry has definitely become more common in the last decade. He believes the exposure to those with the ‘perfect picture’ physique, that has frequently been obtained with performance enhancing drugs, on social media has been a prime instigator for this growth.

Luke said: “People take steroids to get quick results and push their body past its organic threshold. But there is also a social, competitive element, where people want to achieve what their peers are achieving or feel they have to conform and take steroids because others are getting better, faster results.

“Steroid use will exist in virtually every mainstream gym up and down the UK and with lenient laws against it coupled with no mainstream role models to condemn it, will result in its continued growth in the next few years.”

Luke believes the likes of #steroidtransformation being a trending topic is increasingly worrying, particularly with TikTok being the go-to social platform for teenagers.

He added: “Unfortunately, the negative and lasting effects of steroid abuse does not get much media coverage. It is sometimes glorified through the ever rising popularity of bodybuilding stars on social media, which causes these increases in people following unsafe or fad training regimes.

“Utilising steroids for recreational purposes is unsafe and can lead to a large number of health problems. Depending on the extent and duration of that abuse, steroid use can lead to high blood pressure, acne, premature balding, cancer, impotence and infertility, to name just a few.”

How have celeb beauty standards impacted Gen Z and Millennials?

The ‘ideal’ body type for women has been the topic of discussion for thousands of years. Hundreds of years ago, art and sculpture showcased curvaceous, fuller body types as the desired figure. In the 20th Century, from the Twiggy era of the 60s to the supermodels of the 90s, society celebrated thinner figures.

In more recent years, fuller busts, tiny waists and shapely derrieres have become more pined for. The stark differences in beauty standards across generations have been reflected in our survey responses.

Help transform the body images of people looking to enter the industry by learning about one of the many financially rewarding jobs available in the fitness industry.

The Kardashian Effect: Over 40% of Gen Z females want lip filler and almost 1 in 5 want bum enhancement

The Kardashian and Jenner clan are known for their sought-after features and from the 2010s to today, the sisters have shaped the way women want to look.

Kim Kardashian’s notable behind has had thousands of women wanting to replicate her voluptuous hourglass figure. In addition, the rise of Kylie Jenner’s lip kit, which was notoriously sought after following Kylie’s lip filler, has also led to the growing popularity of the procedure.

As Gen Z females have been raised seeing these sisters make their mark on TV and social media, it could have influenced their potential cosmetic procedures.

Our report found that 1 in 5 of 16 to 24-year-olds have wanted to enhance their derriere with either implants or a bum lift and 4 in 10 have admitted to wanting lip filler. This is reinforced by Google search data which shows that searches for ‘bum lift’ and ‘lip filler’ are up 69% and 261% respectively on last year.

‘Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels’: Millennials had biggest desire to lose weight

Being raised during the 90s and 00s, Millennials were exposed to size zero body types and body-shaming magazine culture. This may have had a lasting impact on female Millennials, as they were most likely to want to lose weight.

Over two-thirds of women aged 26 – 41 said they had wanted to lose weight, while 2 in 5 said they wanted to tone an area of their body. Nearly half said they were willing to use a weight loss product or meal replacement in order to lose weight too.

Almost three-quarters of female Millennials and Gen Z have considered cosmetic alterations

In the survey, over 55s were the least likely to want cosmetic surgery, with less than a third of women and men considering it. Despite being the youngest age groups, female Gen Z and Millenials were the most likely to have cosmetic surgery with 7 in 10 admitting to wanting facial and body procedures.

The most common surgical enhancements wanted by the two age groups include:

Top 5 surgical procedures wanted by Gen Z females: 

1	Lip filler	40%
2	Dental enhancement	27%
3	Boob job	23%
4	Bum lift/implants	18%
5	Facial filler	17%

Top 5 surgical procedures wanted by Millennial females: 

1	Dental enhancement	39%
2	Lip filler	27%
3	Boob job	26%
4	Botox	25%
5	Liposuction	21%

Respondents could give multiple answers

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How does ‘picture perfect’ social media image affect the mental health of Brits?

Almost 2 in 5 Brits have said that not being able to achieve the ‘picture perfect’ body image affects their mental health

According to our social media and body image report, exposure to unrealistic images in the form of airbrushed photos of celebrities and influencers, could be having an increasing impact on our body image and mental health.

The survey revealed that nearly 2 in 5 Brits of all genders and ages said not fitting social media’s beauty standards affected their mental health. Of those, 1 in 3 women said social media beauty standards made them feel like their body isn’t attractive and 1 in 10 men said it made them feel ‘inferior’.

Third of Brits say ‘picture perfect’ social media images make them want to lose weight

Brits are battling inner demons and identity issues due to the unattainable beauty standards broadcasted on image-sharing social platforms.

These are the most common thoughts and feelings Brits have when being exposed to unrealistic beauty standards online:

Respondents could give multiple answers, to highlight all the statements they could relate to

A third of Brits say they need to lose weight because of this imagery, while almost 1 in 10 say they don’t feel that their face is ‘normal’ and almost 1 in 6 think their body isn’t either. Social media beauty standards also leave 1 in 8 Brits sadly feeling inadequate and 1 in 10 feeling like they won’t be wanted.

Over 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men have said they feel like they need to change their appearance because of social media beauty standards.

Over half of under 35s said that if they can’t attain a body like a celeb or influencer it affects their mental health

Our statistics show that those under 35 believe that the unattainable, social media body image they are exposed to online has an effect on their mental health. These responses show that there is a correlation between social media use, negative body image and mental health.

As personal training experts, we have had many experiences meeting people with body dysmorphia and dissatisfaction. With this, there is an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and eating disorders. Seeing these unrealistic images of ‘perfect’ bodies can definitely lead to people having body image issues.

Almost a third of Gen Zs feel ‘ugly’ & 1 in 6 feel they ‘can’t be intimate with someone’ because of social media beauty standards

These statements were felt even more strongly by younger social media users, as a larger proportion related to these comments.

The top statements for Gen Zs:

1	I need to lose weight	37%
2	My face isn’t attractive	33%
3	My body isn’t attractive	31%
4	I am ugly	29%
5	I need to change my appearance	28%
6	Gives me low self-esteem	27%
7	I need to tone up	26%
8	My body isn’t ‘normal’	25%
9	I won’t be wanted	19%
10	I need to be like them	19%
11	My face isn’t normal	19%
12	I am inadequate	17%
13	Like avoiding social media for a while	16%
14	I can’t be intimate with someone I like	15%
15	I am inferior	13%

Respondents could give multiple answers, to highlight all the statements they could relate to

Younger people’s frequent and normalised exposure to social media has had a profound effect on their body image, and many have started to internalise negative thoughts about their identity.

Nearly a third of 16 to 24-year-olds feel their body and face aren’t attractive in comparison to what they see online and think they are ‘ugly’. Over a quarter feel they need to change their appearance to fit in, and 1 in 6 feel that they ‘can’t be intimate with someone’ because of social media beauty standards.

Over 1 in 6 said the beauty standards of social media have made them want to avoid networking sites and apps completely, with Google searches to ‘temporarily disable Instagram’ up 198% year on year too.

Men are more likely to be influenced by body image standards than women

According to the survey, men were more influenced than women to make changes to their face or body after being exposed to filters, influencers, reality TV and celebrities.

Influencers and celebrities also had a higher impact on male shopping habits when it came to purchasing diet-related products, as 5 in 10 said they had purchased a weight loss or meal replacement product based on a recommendation by a famous face.

1 in 3 men feel negatively impacted by weight loss and muscle gain ads

Our results showed that weight loss ads shared on social media had more of a negative mental impact on men, with 1 in 3 saying they felt negative about their own body image because of the ads. This was slightly lower for women, as 2 in 5 said they felt negative about themselves.

60% of Brits think weight loss ads on social media should be banned – like Pinterest has

Last year, Pinterest took a step towards promoting a healthy lifestyle on their site and became the first major social media platform to ban weight loss adverts. This includes adverts that feature testimonials about weight loss or diet products. It also covers advertisements that discuss body mass index (BMI) and more.

Our report reveals that 60% of Brits feel that other social media platforms should follow Pinterest’s decision to ban these potentially harmful promotions. This could be a positive step towards accommodating users who may be easily influenced by these ads, or those who have lower self-esteem.

The growing impact of social media and influencers

6 in 10 Brits say they get their diet tips online – with Tik Tok leading the way for Gen Zs

As social media plays such a significant role in all of our lives, many now use social networking apps to shape their lifestyle.

Unfortunately, the dangers of following dieting, health and fitness trends on social media, is that a lot of the time, fads portray losing weight either too quickly, or in an unhealthy way.

As personal training experts, we would encourage people to lose weight over a long period of time, as rapidly losing weight too quickly can put considerable stress on the body. It can also have a negative effect on people’s mental health and cause them to develop an obsession with their weight. It could also lead to rising cases of eating disorders and body dysmorphia.

Top online platforms Brits use for exercise and diet advice

Our report found that YouTube was the most popular sharing platform for Brits who are looking for diet, fitness and health tips. While TikTok was the leading app for Gen Zs sourcing guidance, with almost 3 in 5 admitting they get their diet tips from the video-sharing app.

What I eat in a day reels, progress pictures, workout tips and calorie guidance videos are all becoming largely followed topics online. Many Brits say they find them ‘motivational’ to lose weight, build muscle or tone up. Our report found that the following were the most motivational online trends that made people want to change their body:

Top 5 most motivational trends:

1	Progress pictures/videos	37%
2	Workout videos	32%
3	Calorie deficit meal plans	25%
4	What I eat in a day videos	22%
5	Seeing images of aspirational bodies	20%

Respondents could give multiple answers

The impact of influencer advertising: Almost half of Brits have bought a weight loss product on influencer recommendations

Despite Instagram implementing rules about ‘quick fix’ weight loss products and cosmetic surgery on its app, many weight loss and meal replacement products are still being promoted across social media.

Our study reveals that 48% of Brits have purchased a product after it was recommended by an influencer. The results also show that, due to their exposure they had a heightened reliance on influencer recommendations, as two-thirds of Gen Z and 2 in 5 Millennials had bought a weight loss or meal replacement product based on influencer or celebrity recommendations.

Most commonly purchased weight loss products following influencer recommendations:

1	Slimfast	24%
2	Herbalife	10%
3	My Protein Works	8%
4	MyProtein Low Cal Meal Replacement	7%
5	Huel	7%
6	Flat Tummy Tea	6%
7	V24 Gummies	6%
8	Optimum	5%
9	Bootea	5%
10	Fuel Station Juice Cleanse	4%
11	Boombod	3%

Respondents could give multiple answers to highlight all of the purchases they had made.

Quarter of Brits won’t upload selfie without filter or editing first

The rise of social media filters and photo editing apps that alter, ‘enhance’ and slim features have had a huge impact on body image and self-esteem, according to our report.

Leading image and video sharing platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat are filled with face-altering filters and the carefully curated lives of influencers and celebs. This can generate feelings of body and face dissatisfaction amongst social media users, as 1 in 4 Brits now say they won’t upload selfies without a filter or editing first.

Our report also found that just under a third of women wouldn’t post on social media without applying a filter or editing and this percentage increased further among Gen Zs. Having been brought up with social media as normality, over 2 in 5 of 16 to 25-year-olds wouldn’t post on social media without altering their features first.

What could social media influencers and celebrities do to promote ‘healthy’ body image?

Who’s leading the way for the UK’s body-positive movement?

Despite the prominence and popularity of body and face editing on social media, body positivity  is an increasingly trending topic, with #bodypositive tagged to 18.1 million posts on Instagram and #bodypositivity collecting a huge 23.7 billion views on TikTok.

The body-positive movement strives to promote ‘authentic’ beauty. To do this, many body-positive influencers are sharing unedited and unposed selfies and body shots. Many people believe this will make men and women feel more empowered and confident in their own skin.

Lots of influencers are showing ‘Instagram vs. Reality’ images, showing what their photos look like before editing and filters. But who’s leading the movement online?

The 10 body positive male, female and non-binary UK influencers you need to follow on Instagram:

1. Iskra Lawrence – 4.9m followers

2. Megan Jayne Crabbe – 1.2m followers 

3. Alex Light – 471k followers

4. Sonny Turner – 269k followers

5. Stephanie Yeboah – 235k followers

6. Mollie Campsie – 228k followers

7. Tess Daly – 219k followers 

8. Max Hovey – 135k followers

9. Lauren Black – 123k followers

10. Jules Von Hep – 81.8k followers

What does a body positive influencer have to say about social media beauty standards?

Lauren Black, creator of @loveglowheal and a body positive social media influencer who suffered with anorexia for over ten years, says there is immense pressure being created from social media beauty standards.

She said: “There is definitely pressure to look a certain way and I have absolutely felt that pressure. I do however know that self-esteem issues usually run deeper, so I think social media can sometimes perpetuate and bring to the forefront those issues.”

Lauren admits it’s a normal reaction to want to emulate the standards we see online, she adds: “I think we all do naturally compare as human beings but I think when it starts to dictate what you may or may not do in your own life that’s when it becomes a big problem.”

The body positive influencer said it could be beneficial to follow accounts that make people feel mentally positive.

She said: “Seeing more body diversity has a really positive effect on people as they are able to relate to and identify themselves within other people. It’s all about connection, people want to feel connected and understood and heard, so diversity gives the chance for everyone to feel that online.”

Her advice for becoming more body positive is: “Identify how you really feel and sit with that. Then you can move forwards. We have a tendency to ignore how we truly feel and push it away, which leads us into a cycle of feeling bad. If you identify how you really feel and accept it, before starting to rewire your beliefs, that is when real progress starts to happen.”

Although she says it’s unlikely image editing or filters will come to an end, there are ways to stop people from letting it mentally impact them.

She said: “I don’t think we’ll ever stop the altering of images, however, you can develop a sense of​ mindfulness by stopping yourself in the middle of your thoughts and saying ‘ this might not be real, so I’m going to consciously make the choice now to not compare myself to this person.’

“When you’re feeling like this, take a break from your phone and go and do something else whilst using the likes of affirmations, that’s what I do.”

4 in 10 Brits say influencers shouldn’t edit their pictures

Our report found that many Brits think more influencers should follow in these footsteps, with 4 in 10 believing influencers shouldn’t edit their pictures. Nearly as many people say social media influencers should put a disclaimer when they’ve had surgery, edited their pictures or used a filter.

Here are the top things Brits think influencers can do on social media to reduce unachievable image standards:

1	No editing	42%
2	Say when they’ve had surgery	41%
3	Admit to filters/editing	40%
4	No filters	40%
5	Show skin imperfections	38%
6	Show natural, unposed angles	37%
7	More real body influencers	37%

Respondents could give multiple answers to highlight all the opinions they held.

What can we expect next?

Overall, these social media and body image statistics show a worrying rise of people with negative body image, providing evidence to suggest that social media, celebrities and influencers play a profound role in influencing body image and people’s own self-worth.

By contrast, the study does show there is an increased demand for people wanting to feel body positive and an increasing need for the promotion of healthier, more sustainable health and fitness regimes, that promote a positive relationship with our own bodies.

If you are interested in contributing to people’s healthy relationships with fitness and nutrition or have a passion for changing the lives of others through exercise, then contact OriGym Centre of Excellence to enquire about our personal training courses.

Methodology:

We surveyed 2,130 social media users using Censuswide, to find out about their experiences using social media, how their own body image has been affected by beauty standards portrayed in the mainstream, on social media, online and in broadcast. The sample included women, men, transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid people (and an ‘other’ option to specify a different gender not listed). They ranged between 16 and 55+ from across the UK.

We also used Google Trends and TikTok and Instagram hashtag data to show popularity for certain cosmetic treatments, fitness and health trends and searches, when comparing May 2021 vs. May 2022.

Statistics:

Time spent online stat – Statista https://www.statista.com/statistics/507378/average-daily-media-use-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/

Gen Z screen time – Global Web Index, 99 Firms https://99firms.com/blog/generation-z-statistics/#gref

Fair use statement: 

If you want to share our study, any findings or images from the study, please credit with a link to this page.

What does this amazing oppawtunity entail?

We’re looking for a dog owner and their pooch to be filmed working out together – and be paid £500 for it.

The lucky, successful applicant will need to be filmed following an expertly designed workout with their dog. The content will then be used as an online resource for others to safely follow with their own dogs.

You and your dog will get the opportunity to work with both a team of Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma and a dog expert to create ‘The Ultimate Doggy Workout’.

Ready to start working in the fitness industry? Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma today! Alternatively, don’t you can download our free course prospectus to learn more.

Skills and qualifications – what makes the ideal furry fitness friends?

• Both enjoy working out
• The best of friends
• Both comfortable in front of the camera
• Bundles of energy and enthusiasm

How to apply

To apply, you must simply complete the following 3 steps:

1. Record a 10-20 second video of your dog doing their best trick or you working out with them

2. Share your video on Instagram, tagging @origym_coe and use the hashtag #origymfurryfitnessfriend

3. Fill out the form below (and include a link to your video in this too. If you are using a Google Drive link, please ensure this is can be viewed by ‘Anyone with the link’)

The closing date for job applications will be 23:59 on 30th April 2022. Terms and conditions are listed below.

^{Terms and conditions}

^{1. You must visit a UK location for 1 full day with your dog, and be filmed working out together in order to be paid the one off £500 fee. This will be on an agreed date after the closing date.}

^{2. You must be over 18 to take this job.}

^{3. You must reside in the UK.}

^{4. The closing date for job applications will be 23:59 on 30th April 2022.} 

^{5. The successful applicant will be chosen based on the video of them and their dog working out together or doing a trick together.}

^{6. Origym reserves the right to cancel or amend these terms and conditions without notice due to events outside of their control.}

^{7. There will be one successful applicant.}

^{8. You can visit the Origym privacy policy here.} 

^{9. Origym’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the job will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.} 

^{10. The successful job applicant agrees to the use of their name, image and voice in any publicity material. They also agree to be filmed working out with their dog, and agree for this video to be used online and in the media and press. Use of this video after the one-off job is complete will come with no further compensation.}

^{11. Any personal data relating to the applicant or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party. Origym will only use the data collected and stored to contact the successful applicant. All data will be deleted within 90 days.}

^{12. Applying for this job will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions and agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.}

Curious about how much you could make in the fitness industry? Learn about the highest-paid fitness jobs!

So are you ready to begin a career in the fitness industry? Enrol onto OriGym’s L3 Personal Trainer Diploma today! Learn about our full range of courses by downloading our free course prospectus for free!

In the past 12 months, searches for ‘women-only gyms’ have increased 69%. The gym should be a safe place for all, without fear of intimidation, sexual harassment or embarrassment. So why are people desperately looking for women’s gyms?

To find out, we surveyed over 1,000 gym-goers of all genders about their experiences in the gym to create the ‘Gym-timidation Report’.

The results reveal how many women have felt uncomfortable in the gym. The report also details the most common types of harassment for women, transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid people; as well as what methods are used to avoid feeling uncomfortable, the things men can do to make people feel safer in the gym and more.

You can start working in the fitness industry by completing OriGym’s L3 Personal Trainer Diploma! Download our free course prospectus to learn more!

6 in 10 women have felt harassed in the gym by a man

Respondents could give multiple answers, to highlight all the types of harassment they have experienced.

Even for regular gym-goers, working out at the gym can be tough to bear.

Over 61% of women admitted to having felt harassed at least once in the gym by a man. At the gym, women want to simply exercise and relax, so unwanted advances, flirting and sexual or patronising comments make for a highly uncomfortable experience.

For working out to be the positive experience it should be, many must overcome “gym-timidation”. The results of the Origym survey reveal widespread sexual harassment in the gym, with women citing encounters of men making a pass at them, inappropriate comments and sexual remarks as some of the most common gym harassment.

In reviewing the responses, it appears that sexual harassment is not just categorised as physical threat. While physical actions are still highly prevalent, verbal intimidation is also a common theme and these make women feel just as uncomfortable as physical intimidation.

Frequent physical harassment experiences:

• Standing too close
• Brushing against people
• Following around the gym

Common uncomfortable verbal experiences:

• Laughing at someone
• Sexual comments about appearance or gym kit
• Flirting

It’s clear from this, that unwanted behaviour – whether the intention is compassionate or complimentary – isn’t justifiable if it’s perceived as harassment by women.

2 in 5 women have avoided exercising at the gym because men make them feel uncomfortable

The report establishes that ‘gym-timidation’ is a very real concern for women, with many taking necessary precautions to avoid putting themselves in uncomfortable and inappropriate situations.

Women having to shun the gym or change their behaviour should never be the answer.

However, 2 in 5 women have made the decision to avoid the gym altogether because men have made them feel uncomfortable there. It’s a stark reality that women could end up getting less exercise due to avoidable gym intimidation.

Women feel the need to adapt how they behave following negative encounters, with nearly half wanting a friend or partner to work out with them because men make them feel uncomfortable.

Similarly, for those that do still exercise in the gym, there are certain areas they avoid due to feeling uncomfortable.

Women, transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid people admitted to avoiding the resistance area the most in the gym. In stark contrast, 39% of men typically use the resistance area.

28% of women gym-goers who mostly avoid the resistance area cite the reason as ‘it’s mostly men in there’ and 18% admitted to men making them feel uncomfortable there.

Crossing the divide into the male dominated spaces appears to be highly intimidating, and some feel comfortable in different areas of the gym.

If you want to know more about how much you could earn in fitness, why not read about the highest-paying fitness jobs in the industry?

What could men do in the gym that would make women feel uncomfortable

We asked what men could do in the gym that would make them feel uncomfortable. If you’re a man and do these, you’re at risk of making women, non-binary, transgender and gender fluid people feel uncomfortable.

The following were the most popular answers to ‘What, if anything, could a man do in the gym that would make you feel uncomfortable?’:

1	Pass comment on someone’s body
2	Stare at someone
3	Touch someone for reasons other than you helping out
4	Won’t take no for an answer when someone says they don’t want help
5	Laugh or make fun of someone
6	Brush against someone
7	Flirt with someone
8	Comment on someone’s performance in the gym
9	Stand close to someone
10	Touch someone whilst helping with something
11	Pass comment on someone’s gym kit
12	Make comments that someone else shouldn’t be in that area
13	Linger around the equipment someone is on
14	Have their phone out so someone is worried pictures are being taken of them
15	Whisper to other gym members

Making someone feel uncomfortable isn’t always as obvious as inappropriate touching – it could look like any of these things above. It could be appearing like you’re taking unsolicited pictures, staring, lingering around equipment, not taking no for an answer, whispering and much more.

If you’re ready to enter the fitness industry, you can learn more about the best-paid jobs in fitness.

Be an ally: what men can do to make people feel safer in the gym

Despite 2 in 5 women feeling they need to avoid the gym so they aren’t made to feel uncomfortable by men, it’s not women’s responsibility to change their behaviour. Therefore, we asked women, transgender, non-binary and gender fluid people what men can do to make them feel safer in the gym.

When men are in the gym, it’s impossible to tell the intentions of their actions. What may seem friendly, sociable or non-threatening to an innocent man, could feel very different to women, or transgender, non-binary and gender fluid people.

Men who attend the gym can follow these pointers and support others when it comes to making them feel safe.

With around 1 in 10 women admitting to men harassing them with sexual comments about their appearance or gym kit, following the second suggestion on this list could make a huge difference. Women feel intimidated even with positive comments about their appearance, whether a man intends to be complimentary or not.

Men can play a vital role in preventing gym-timidation

Men can play a huge part in intervening and preventing the discomforting situations from happening in the first place.

By following what women, transgender, non-binary and gender fluid say makes them feel safer, men can help to significantly reduce or remove gym intimidation altogether. By ensuring the circumstances that cause discomfort don’t occur, men are respecting that it isn’t all down to women to change or avoid the environment making them feel unsafe.

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1 in 3 women want a women’s gym so they can feel safer

With ‘women’s-only gyms’ searches increasing 69%, this report reveals further evidence that women’s gyms are needed more now than ever before.

Of the women asked, 31% said they would see a benefit to women’s-only gyms so that women can feel safer and more comfortable. Similarly, 38% of women would see benefit to at least a women’s-only section of the gym.

While this isn’t necessarily a new phenomenon, women’s gyms have been receiving a lot of attention on TikTok recently, with the hashtag #WomensOnlyGym at 21 million views, and counting.

It’s no surprise that a significant number of women want to work out where only women are allowed after a huge influx of women sharing their experiences of sexual harassment in the gym.

First-hand experiences caught on TikTok

Personal trainer Heidi Aragon was recently featured across the UK press for her response to gym harassment. Heidi caught an older man repeatedly staring at her as she worked out, and was forced to call her husband over and stand next to her in a bid to block him (highlighting further why nearly half of women want to go to the gym with their partner). She ended up confronting him and exposing him on Tik Tok:

@fit_with_heidi Don’t sit there and tell me you’re not doing something when I have proof. ???? #gymtok #fittok #influencer #viral #trending #tiktok #fitness #gym #gymgirl #fyp #fypシ #foryou #foryoupage #gymcreeps

Watch the Tik Tok here

Chelsie Gleason’s experience was also recently reported in the press, with her Tik Tok documented gym harassment leading to many female gym-goers calling for a safe space for women. The video of the man who she’d never met but had been harassing her for months has racked up more than 47 million views and many praised how she dealt with the situation.

@_chesslee_

being a female is fun(:

Watch the Tik Tok here

This 17-year-old girl shared her experience on TikTok when she had to stop working out and was left shaking after a man followed and stared at her during her whole workout:

@nataleebfitness this girl is 17. @lilyflorencefitness #fyp #foryou #gymharassment #womensonlygym #womensgym

Watch the Tik Tok here

Women’s gyms are most wanted in Brighton and ManchesterOver half (53%) of gym-goers in Brighton see a benefit to women’s-only gyms, so that women can feel more comfortable and safer. This is closely followed by 43% of Manchester gym-goers and 41% in Southampton.

Ranking	City		% Gym-goers who want a women’s-only gym
1	Brighton		53%
2	Manchester		43%
3	Southampton		41%
4	Edinburgh		40%
5	Belfast		36%
6	Nottingham		35%
7	Birmingham		32%
8	London		29%
9	Liverpool		29%
10	Cardiff		28%

Women are 7 times more likely to specify they want a female PT, than a male PT

While 50% of men and 55% women don’t mind what gender their personal trainer is, others have a preference for the gender of their PT.

Just 4% of women would specify that they want a male personal trainer, compared to 29% who would only want a female one. We’re seeing a huge surge in female personal trainers, providing more opportunity than previously for those wanting a woman personal trainer to feel more comfortable.

For women who specify they’d want a female personal trainer, we asked them to explain why, these are just a few of the responses:

• “Would feel more comfortable”
• “Some feel safer”
• “More comfortable with another female”
• “Less threatening”
• “Less self conscious”
• “I’m scared of male violence”
• “I would feel more comfortable and less judged”
• “I feel the most comfortable in gym settings around other women”
• “I don’t want men ogling me”
• “Feel much safer and relatable”
• “Feel less intimidated and embarrassed”

Another 2021 study from Origym found that in the last five years, the UK has seen a 17% increase in women becoming qualified as personal trainers. The results showed a year-on-year increase in the number of female students enrolling into personal training courses, with the ratio gap of men to women consistently minimising.

The study provides evidence to suggest that the fitness industry is becoming more gender inclusive, at least from a professional standard, and by the current trend is forecasted to see an equal split between genders within the next few years.

If you are a woman interested in contributing to the change, or simply someone with a passion for changing the lives of others, then contact OriGym Centre of Excellence to enquire about our diploma in personal training. 

Fancy learning more about becoming a Personal Trainer?  Book a call with one of our career advisors on 0800 002 9599, who will take you through the options and answer any questions you have or download our free course prospectus to find a course that best suits you.

Methodology

We surveyed 1,013 gym-goers using Censuswide, to find out their experiences and opinions in the gym. The sample included women, men, transgender, non-binary and gender fluid people (and an ‘other’ option to specify a different gender not listed). They ranged between 16 and 55+ from across the UK.

We used SEOmonitor’s trends tool to show +69% ‘women’s only gym’ searches, when comparing September 2021 vs. September 2020.

Fair use statement 

If you want to share our study, any findings or images from the study, please credit with a link to this page.

An increasing number of women in the UK are seeking out fitness, not only as a means to improve their health and challenge stereotypes regarding women’s physical strength, but also as a full-time career.

While recent statistics highlight that the number of women entering a fitness-based profession has increased in the last five years, women have in fact been at the forefront of the health, fitness and wellness community for quite some time now.

Women are more often than not targeted with exercise-related products and services; and yet, there has long been a disproportionate lack of representation when it comes to occupying formal roles within the industry, though new findings suggest that this is changing.

You can learn more about working in the fitness industry by completing a L3 Personal Trainer Diploma! Alternatively, download our course prospectus to learn about our full range of courses.

A 2021 study conducted by the UK’s leading personal training course provider, OriGym Centre of Excellence, revealed that in the last five years, the UK has seen a 17% increase in women becoming qualified as personal trainers.

For comparison, in 2016, OriGym enrolled a total of 987 students onto Level 3 Personal Training courses, of which just 26% were female. The most recent report highlighting 2020 figures saw 7,018 students sign up to the same course, this time 43% of those were female.

Statistics recorded between this time have shown a year on year increase in the number of female students enrolling into personal training courses, with the ratio gap of men to women consistently minimising.

This new information stands as evidence to suggest that the fitness industry is becoming much more gender inclusive from a professional standard, and by the current trend is forecasted to see an equal split between genders within the next few years.

The distinction between male or female trainers may seem arbitrary given knowledge, experience and skill are not based on gender, and it’s for that reason why having a comparatively fewer number of female personal trainers is concerning and a change has been longed for.

Helena Phil, a personal trainer who has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years, told OriGym:

“Female PTs have definitely risen over the years. I think social media platforms have helped with the rising of female trainers, particularly encouraging other females to up their game and lead a healthy lifestyle.

“[The rise] definitely has had a huge impact with empowering women to be more body confident and to lead as role models to their children.”

Adding to why this increase offers great benefits to the industry, Phil said: “Some women get intimidated by a male trainer, not feeling their needs being met. A female trainer is also ideal for Muslim ladies and those of other religions too who would opt for a women over a male trainer.”

Alongside personal training, there have been a number of initiatives developed in the last few years to encourage more women to take up exercising and become more involved in the health and wellness industry.

In 2015, Sport England found that there were a total of two million fewer women participating in sport than men, with the main protagonist being “fear of being judged” as opposed to desire to participate. In a bid to combat this gender gap and inspire more women to become physically active, the initiative “This Girl Can” was launched by Sport England, which gained massive traction and publicity.

It was the first of its kind to feature women of all shapes, sizes and sporting abilities in their television advertisements and visual campaigns.

To date the campaign has helped an estimated 2.8m women get more involved in exercise, 1.6m of which began exercising for the first time, and the remaining 1.2m increased their existing exercise involvement.

The effects of initiatives and campaigns such as these could be one of the major catalysts as to why more women are not just increasing sporting and physical activity, but taking it up as their career.

If you’re a woman who is looking to work in the fitness industry, you’ll want to learn about the high-paying fitness jobs in the fitness industry.

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Tara Dillion, CEO of CIMSPA (the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector), supported the 2015 movement and believes it is necessary to have more initiatives that engage more women in the fitness sector, from both a professional and leisure perspective.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see more women choosing personal training as a career. It’s also not surprising, because thanks to the professionalism of all of our members, fitness and physical activity is increasingly becoming recognised as a profession that offers brilliant career development and longevity.

“With successful campaigns like Sport England’s #ThisGirlCan getting more and more women interested in fitness, there is a growing need for qualified female instructors who understand the specifics of women’s training needs and I can only see that continuing as we emerge from the shadow of Covid-19.”

While the available statistics demonstrate that the female personal training market has unquestionably increased, some women in the industry have found the increase to be surprising, mostly due to the fact that they don’t believe there was ever a gender gap to begin with.

Alison Stockton, founder of Vibrant Balanced Health, has been active in the health, fitness and wellness industry for over two decades and since establishing herself all over the globe claims to have never encountered a male dominated fitness environment.

She told OrGym: “I began my career as a group fitness coach 20 years ago and I never experienced a higher percentage of male trainers over females. During my time as a personal trainer, I created a business in the channel islands, UK, Isle of Man, Dubai and Switzerland and the percentage was always balanced.

“I think perhaps the reason for the increase over the last 18 months will have a lot to do with the pandemic; women choosing a different career path, something that they have seen a gap in their area, and also it often spans from their own love of feeling healthier and working out and wanting to inspire other women to accomplish the same.

“For me, during my 25 years as a Personal Trainer, there was never a feeling that I  had fewer clients than my male counterparts, and the fact that I always had a 50/50 split male/female was proof that during my time the industry wasn’t dominated by male PTS.”

However, these findings are not unusual to available statistics.

Between 2017 and 2019, figures recorded from OriGym found the percentage of females to men to enrol onto personal training courses remained at the lower end of the 30s, only just reaching 35% in 2019 before surging into the 40% margin last year.

In 2020 the American internet service for tracking human exercise, Strava, noted that the growth in women’s activity last year led to a global fitness boom that far surpassed the company’s projections based on historical trends.

The app, which has over nine million UK users (approximately 13% of the nation’s population), reported that the increase was particularly notable in Britain. Brits showed a 108% rise in the median number of activities by women in the 18-29 age group, and rises of between 52% and 65% in other age categories.

Of course, the pandemic played a predominant role in these statistics, with more people having an unforeseen amount of free time as a result of furlough or eliminated commuting periods, however the explanation for the gender boom has no concrete reasoning, rather more women simply felt more confident and safe to engage in exercise.

One of the major reasons levelled at why previously more women were not participating in sport was due to the low number of female sporting role models and lack of media exposure by both print and broadcast of female sporting events, with an average of just 4% coverage across major broadcasters by contrast to male sports.

This percentage has been persistent year on year, with the average rarely touching over 10% despite fluctuations seen during notable moments such as the Olympics and the World Cup. However, with the rising popularity of globally famous female athletes, such as Sereena Williams, Ronda Rousey and Maria Sharapova who dedicate their platforms to share messages of body positive and owning their strong physiques, there has been an influx of women across the world making the decision to improve their strength, fitness and flexibility in gym environments, alongside embracing strong builds and turning their passion into careers.

As the percentage of female personal trainers in the UK continues to increase and the dated stigma that lifting weights is restricted to male abilities diminishes, gender inclusivity in the fitness industry has never looked more promising.

Don’t forget to inquire about OriGym’s L3 PT Diploma to begin your career journey. Download our course prospectus for additional details!