BERKELEY, Calif. — Losing weight is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. However, a new survey finds Americans are going “next level” with their 2023 weight loss goals.
In a poll of nearly 1,000 people, commissioned by ARRIS Composites, the average person wants to drop 29 pounds this year! To put that into context, that’s the equivalent of four gallons of water, 20 dozen eggs, or a typical mountain bike!
Overall, 78 percent of Americans plan to exercise more in 2023 than they did in the previous year. Most of that exercise will come from walking, with 77 percent planning to get their steps in more frequently. Other popular workout strategies for the new year include weightlifting (45%), running (35%), hiking (32%), and yoga (26%).
Interestingly, Americans don’t feel the need to hit the gym to get in shape anymore. One in three have no plans to enter a gym at all in 2023. Moreover, 82 percent of Americans say they prefer to work out by themselves. Of those who will go to a gym, just 20 percent plan to get a fitness center membership.
While building more endurance (48%), getting stronger (41%), and wanting to become more flexible (41%) are some of the most popular goals, the vast majority of people planning to work out more in 2023 say they just want to lose weight (65%). Although 30 pounds may be tough mountain to climb, a staggering 83 percent believe they’ll reach their personal weight loss target.
2023 may be the year of the marathon
The survey also found that many people plan to lace up their sneakers and get competitive with their exercise. Nearly one in 10 (8%) say they want to compete in a race in 2023. More than half (58%) plan to sign up for a 5K run, 22 percent want to try a 10K run, and nearly one in three (31%) want to do a half-marathon.
Another 17 percent have a goal of completing a full marathon. Despite these lofty goals, 61 percent of respondents have never completed the race they’re planning to enter in 2023.
Even if they’re keeping it more casual, the average American runner is hoping to run 10 miles a week in 2023 — that’s double what they ran in 2022. With that in mind, 57 percent say they hope someone will give them the gift of new running shoes in 2023.
New exercise shirts and shorts (49%), exercise equipment (40%), leggings (33%), and fitness trackers (27%) also top the list of gifts runners are hoping to receive this year. As for which product to pick, four in five say comfort is the most important factor when buying new running gear.
How are you going to lose 29 pounds?!
Whether you’re just looking to get rid of that holiday belly fat or drop a mountain bike’s worth of weight, StudyFinds has you covered. We’ve gathered opinions from all the experts on the best products and strategies to lose those excess pounds.
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Survey methodology:
In November 2022, ARRIS Composites conducted a survey of 996 people from across the U.S. The average age was 38 years old, with 50% identifying as male, 47% as female, and 3% as non-binary or transgender.