New research from Peloton reveals Australians are falling for short term fitness flings, with Aussies admitting to “ghosting” their exercise routines

New research commissioned by global fitness lifestyle brand, Peloton, reveals that Australians are falling for short term fitness flings. 

The nationally representative research conducted by YouGov found nearly three in five (56%) Australians who have had a ‘fitness relationship’ in the last 12 months have given up on their memberships or regimes within the same year. To stay motivated throughout the year, Peloton provides advice on how Australians can prioritise their wellbeing, by creating sustainable plans to achieve their goals, regardless of where they are on their fitness journey.

Ever fallen for a New Year fitness fling? Many Australians use this time of year to reevaluate their relationship with fitness and surprisingly over the past five years, more than half of those (54%) who had started the New Year by committing to a new fitness or exercise regime, gave up within 3 months or less of starting. 

This Friday 12 January, 2024 dubbed “Quitter’s Day”, is globally recognised as the most common day when people give up on New Year’s resolutions. More than two thirds (69%) of Australians are more likely to uphold or commit to a plan made with a friend or partner, than they are with themselves, demonstrating the powerful influence of community and convenience.

Australians seek variety, but have “commitment issues” when it comes to fitness 

The research shows that for many, ‘variety is the spice of life’ and that over a third (35%) of the population had at least one ‘fitness partner' in 2023, such as a workout plan, personal training, a gym or sporting club membership, fitness app subscription or at-home gym equipment. Among these active daters, more than a quarter (28%) had two to three ‘fitness partners’, and one in seven (15%) had four or more on-the-go, at any one time. However, these relationships don’t always go the distance, with one in four (26%) who had at least one ‘fitness partner’ in 2023, admitting their average ‘fitness relationship’ lasted less than a month. 

To explore why Australians struggle to commit to a long-term relationship with wellness and fitness, Peloton teamed up with renowned psychologist, Jacqui Manning, to shed light on the common pitfalls of setting resolutions, and how to create small but meaningful habits to support ongoing fitness and wellness goals.

Ms Manning said, “Despite Australian's passion for sport and healthy lifestyle, many face challenges in upholding these values due to lack of time, motivation, injury, or scheduling conflicts, as highlighted in the YouGov report. To overcome these hurdles and fulfil personal commitments, it's important to set realistic goals and identify daily habits that contribute to these milestones, and reinforce positive progress through repetition and rewards.” 

Manning continued, “While individuals often feel the need to manage everything independently, utilising technology and fitness platforms like Peloton can help reduce many of the mental and physical barriers to exercise, by offering greater choice and convenience through goal-oriented programs that provide real-time progress tracking, and a welcome boost of dopamine.”

Make a start, and not just another New Year’s fitness resolution

When it comes to falling in love with a new fitness partner, among the 91% who have previously called it quits said they are seeking flexible membership options (45%), access to a range of different fitness programs and workout styles (32%), and trainers who are motivating rather than intimidating (31%). 

To help Australians overcome a fitness rut and reset, Peloton Instructor, Ben Alldis, shares recommendations to reignite that spark and establish a rewarding relationship with fitness.  

"There are three key tips I often share with Peloton Members to help them ‘go the distance’ and prioritise their health and wellness goals. Firstly, I recommend scheduling workouts each week and adding these to the diary. Secondly, find a workout partner or join a supportive community like Peloton to remain inspired and accountable. Finally, don’t be afraid to mix up your training; start by doing exercises which feel good, then once you get your mojo back, add goal specific workouts to help maintain progress.”

Peloton Australia General Manager, Kathryn Carter, added, “As we kick start 2024, the YouGov research showed that whilst Australians crave flexibility, variety and motivation from their exercise routines, they often struggle to stay committed after the New Year bubble bursts. Peloton offers entertainment, inspiration and connection. With expert Instructors, thousands of classes live and on demand, and a vibrant Member community by your side when you need it, Members find a personalised fitness experience that is motivating, sustainable, and evolves with them as their needs and lives change.”

In fact, close to nine in ten (89%) of households that join Peloton in the New Year are still Members 12 months later. Members don’t have to compromise on finding ‘the one’ as Peloton offers up to 16 different fitness modalities including yoga, strength training and cycling, and thousands of live and on demand classes via the Peloton App, Peloton Bikes, Peloton Tread and Peloton Guide, creating the right mix of expertise and energy to keep Members motivated. 

This month, Peloton is making it easier for Australians to find a fitness solution that sticks, and get up to $700 off selected Peloton packages.

Article source reference points:

• This online research study was conducted by YouGov on behalf of Peloton, with a nationally representative sample of 1,024 Australians aged 18 years and older, and was carried out between 14-18 December 2023. All data was weighted by age, gender and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates.

• A ‘fitness relationship’ refers to an ongoing commitment to a workout routine e.g. gym membership, exercise classes, fitness app subscription, use of at-home fitness equipment, outdoor exercise such as swimming, running, or organised sport, etc.

• A ‘fitness partner’ is referred to as a workout plan (e.g. a paid plan or free trial), personal training, a gym or sporting club membership, fitness app subscription or at-home gym equipment.

• Based on Peloton All-Access Members globally (excluding App Members) who joined Jan-Feb 2014-2022 and were still Members 12 months later.