Fitness In 2023: 78% of Americans Plan To Exercise More 

The start of 2023 means many Americans will be focusing on resolutions. While people choose to make improvements in all different aspects of their lives, we wanted to learn more about Americans’ fitness habits and plans, especially the performance gear they plan to buy in 2023, since ARRIS works with top sports brands to level up next-gen products.

In a survey of more than 1,000 people from across the U.S., we learned many are looking to become more active in the new year in a variety of ways… check out the results!

When it comes to exercise, 78% of Americans plan to workout more in 2023 than they did in 2022. The top workout of choice is walking, followed by weightlifting, running, hiking, and yoga. 

While gyms can provide space and equipment for exercising, not everyone is interested. 1 in 3 Americans don’t plan on going to a gym at all in 2023. Among those who are interested, 20% plan to join a fitness center. The average amount Americans are willing to spend per month on a gym membership? $23.

While the majority of Americans (71%) plan to exercise more often in 2023, we also wanted to learn about other fitness goals people are setting. Nearly 1 in 2 (48%) Americans want to build more endurance, 41% want to get stronger, and 41% want to become more flexible. 

Another goal people are looking to achieve is completing a race or competition. Nearly 1 in 10 (8%) Americans are planning to do a race in 2023. More than half (58%) are looking to complete a 5K,  22% want to run a 10K, 31% have their sights set on running a half marathon, and 17% are planning to run a marathon. Among them, 61% have never completed the race they plan on doing in 2023. 

Overall, 83% of Americans believe they’ll succeed in reaching their 2023 fitness goals. For some, their goals are also tied to weight loss. The majority of Americans (65%) are hoping to lose weight in the new year. On average, people want to lose 29 pounds.

Fitness equipment is important whether you’re an elite athlete or a biking enthusiast. More than half (53%) are planning to buy new workout clothes, and 34% are planning on purchasing at-home fitness gear in 2023. 

The holidays are a time of giving, and 1 in 4 hope to receive fitness gear during the holiday season. The top fitness gifts Americans want are running shoes (57%), exercise shirts and shorts (49%), and exercise equipment (40%). Whether or not they receive fitness gifts this holiday season, 52% of people plan on buying new running shoes in 2023.

More than 1 in 3 (39%) Americans plan to run more in 2023. For 42%, running is a new fitness habit. The average runner is hoping to log 10 miles per week in 2023. That’s up from the five miles people report running per week right now. 

We know athletes of all kinds want to achieve peak performance. Here at ARRIS, for example, we help brands create lighter and stronger sporting goods products, including cutting-edge fiber plates for running shoes. The top qualities Americans look for in their running shoes include comfortability (80%), durability (69%), shock-absorbing (54%), fit (46%), and lightweight (44%). 

Whether you’re familiar with fitness or just starting out, setting goals and taking small steps can help you go a long way. Make sure to give yourself manageable fitness goals, so you can start 2023 off on the right foot.

Check out other surveys: Portable Electronics Outlooks 2023 + United States of Sustainability