Articles
The Gymist journal
Guides, explainers and news, written by Gymist members and editors.

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.
- Running

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.
Articles
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