Study: Canadians Favor Fitness Goals For 2017 Resolutions

One in three Canadians (33 percent) said improving their personal fitness and nutrition is their top New Year’s resolution, compared with only 21 percent who chose to focus on financial goals, based on a recent Ipsos survey.

The survey, conducted on behalf of GoodLife Fitness, also found 13 percent of Canadians resolved to dedicate more time to travel and leisure, 11 per cent plan to quit bad habits like smoking or drinking and 10 per cent would spend more time with family and friends.

“It’s great to see more Canadians choosing fitness and nutrition as their number one resolution for 2017 because it suggests people are making positive choices when it comes to eating well and being active, with the goal of feeling better overall,” said David Patchell-Evans, founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness.

More than half (53 percent) of Canadians said improving their overall quality of life is the primary motivation for pursuing a health and wellness resolution. Preventing health risks (45 percent), losing weight (42 percent) and increasing their energy (41 percent) ranked as other top reasons to exercise more and eat better.

Many Canadians said they’re willing to make lifestyle changes to achieve their fitness and nutrition goals. Nearly half (45 percent) said they would plan to change their eating habits by developing a healthy meal plan, while one in three (34 percent) said they would set a weight loss goal for themselves.

Other Canadians are looking to become more active. Four in 10 (41 percent) would spend more time outdoors, while one in four (24 percent) said they’d find a friend to be active with. One in five Canadians (18 percent) said they would join a gym.

“These are all concrete steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Whether it’s joining a fitness club, consulting with a personal trainer, making a meal plan or just getting out for a walk, Canadians are finding ways to eat healthier foods and exercise more in 2017,” said Patchell-Evans. “The important part is to build healthier habits into your daily routine. That way you’re more likely to stick with your resolution beyond the first few weeks.”