What have you been doing for exercise during the pandemic? More than two-thirds of Americans surveyed who work out said walking has been their preferred exercise option amid COVID-19, while one in five said the pandemic has encouraged them to improve their eating habits, according to a new nationwide survey.
These are some of the findings from the 2020 UnitedHealthcare Wellness Checkup Survey, which examines people’s opinions about health topics and preferences, providing insights to help improve wellbeing and disease-management programs offered by employers. The survey’s key findings include:
Walking and Running Rank as Top Exercise Options Amid COVID-19. Most survey respondents who work out said walking (68%) has been their preferred method of exercise since COVID-19 emerged, followed by running (28%), body-weight exercises (23%), cycling (21%) and weight training at home (18%). More than three-quarters (77%) of baby boomers preferred walking over other forms of exercise, as did 72% of Generation X. As for eating habits, 30% of survey respondents said their diet is worse now than before COVID-19 impacted daily life, while 21% said their nutrition choices have improved.
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