Articles
The Gymist journal
Guides, explainers and news, written by Gymist members and editors.
The Social Fitness Survey 2026 - Part One
We asked 2,088 UK adults about their fitness, what encourages them, and what holds them back. Our survey questions were focused on the social elements of being active. Here's what our first survey found.
Gym Anxiety: A Practical Guide for Getting Started
Gym anxiety affects nearly half of non-gym members in the UK. Here is what it is, why it happens, and the practical steps that make walking in easier.
How People Find Gyms in 2026: What Independent Gym Owners Need to Know
How do prospective members find gyms in 2026? From local search to online reviews and directories — and what independent gym owners can do about each.
How Much Strength Training Per Week Do You Actually Need?
A new 30-year study of 147,000 people has found the strength training sweet spot: 90 to 120 minutes a week. Here is what it means for your routine.
1,000 parkruns and Counting: Meet the First Person Ever to Hit the Milestone
One London runner just became the first person in the world to complete 1,000 parkruns. Here’s Darren Wood’s story — and why it might inspire you to lace up.
12.2 Million and Counting: Why More Brits Are Joining Gyms Than Ever Before
A record 12.2 million Brits are now gym members — nearly one in five adults. We break down the ukactive 2026 report and what the UK fitness boom means for you.
You Don't Need 10,000 Steps a Day — Here's What the Science Actually Says
The 10,000-step target was never based on science — it came from a 1960s Japanese pedometer ad. Here’s what the latest research says you actually need.
What Is Rucking and Why Is Everyone Suddenly Doing It?
Rucking — walking with a weighted backpack — is one of the biggest fitness trends of 2026. Here’s what it is, why it works, and how to get started as a complete beginner.
How to Set Fitness Goals That Actually Stick: A Smarter Approach to New Year's Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions fail when goals are vague. Here is a smarter way to set fitness goals you can actually keep, and the habits that make them stick.
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