AusLeisure

Research undertaken by consumer ratings agency Canstar Blue has found that gym goers in New Zealand spend around $55 a month on membership.

In addition to spending, the recent study also revealed that one-in-three New Zealand exercisers are threatened by all of the in-shape bodies at the gym.

The people most daunted by the bodies at the gym are those under the age of 30 - and those in Otago are the most likely of the regions to feel the pressure from the fit bodies around them with 50% feeling intimidated at the gym, while just 21% of those in the Bay of Plenty feel the same.

However, a major positive of being part of a fitness club was three quarters of New Zealanders say that their gym membership has helped them achieve their goals, whether they be fitness, muscle gain or weight loss.

Those aged over 70 are most likely to have achieved their goals with the help of the gym as 100% of those surveyed said they had attained the results they were after from the gym.

Other findings saw 11% of New Zealanders having dated someone they have met at the gym - men leading the dating game with 17% finding their partner in the midst of an exercise regime, compared to women at just 6%.

Despite the possibility of meeting a suitor in the weights room, 17% of New Zealanders would pay more for a single-sex gym. One gender gyms were most wanted by those in Otago (22%).

42% of New Zealanders also saw their gym as an important part of their social life.

The number one barrier for people getting to the gym was identified as lack of time (59%) followed by cost (14%) and intimidation and lack of enjoyment from exercising in front of other people (13%).

In terms of safety, the Accident Compensation Corporation last year reported a rise in injuries sustained while at the gym or during fitness training.

While seen as partially being a result of more people than ever being involved in the fitness industry, the injury rate is actually rising faster than growth in gym users.

Some have blamed under-regulation for this.

Image used for illustrative purposes only.

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