REVEALED: Your name says a lot about how fit you are - does YOURS appear on the list?
THE fittest people in Britain are called Sarah and James, according to new research.
The fittest people in Britain are called Sarah and James, according to new research
They spend more time in the gym and complete higher intensity activities, gym group Fitness First said.
And experts believe people may be influenced by sports stars who share their name.
Psychologist Donna Dawson, who specialises in personality and behaviour, said: “Our parents get a chance to be creative when they give us our names.
“Apart from family names handed down and fashionable naming trends, the inspiring people at that time will most likely influence our parent’s choice of name.
“While growing up, we in turn will be subtly influenced by famous individuals who share our name - and sports people in particular will encourage us to emulate the traits of self-discipline, persistence, endurance, enhanced motivation, forward planning and hard work.
They spend more time in the gym and complete higher intensity activities
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“When we see sports people achieve their goals, we can’t help but be consciously and subconsciously influenced by the examples that they set.
We may even believe that our name is linked to special attributes
“We may even believe that our name is linked to special attributes such as ‘stamina’ and ‘striving’ - and the increased self-confidence that results from this belief will only push us further, whether in pursuing fitness, climbing the career ladder or creating good relationships.”
The average Sarah visits the gym 23 per cent more than her closest rivals, Laura and Emma, each week where she does at least two high intensity sessions, and spends an average of two hours per visit, according to Fitness First’s research.
Experts believe people may be influenced by sports stars who share their name
And the average James will be in the gym on a Saturday night, visiting the gym 18 per cent more each week than his closest rivals David and Paul.
Linzi Warner, National Marketing Manager at Fitness First, said: “We’re continually working to identify major, as well as subtle, influences on Britain’s motivation when it comes to health and fitness.
“While there’s most certainly an interesting trend that’s been uncovered here, we believe that anyone, regardless of their name, can and should be improving their health and fitness where they can.”
People called Lauren’ and Simon are most likely to join a gym and stop attending shortly after, averaging just one visit before disappearing.
And Bens and Lisas will only attend during the typical seasonal peaks – January and September – then stay away for the other 10 months of the year.
Does your name effect your fitness levels?
TOP 10 - MALE FIRST NAME
- James
- David
- Paul
- Andrew
- Michael
- Mark
- Daniel
- John
- Richard
- Chris
TOP 10 - FEMALE FIRST NAME
- Sarah
- Laura
- Emma
- Rebecca
- Sophie
- Charlotte
- Emily
- Hannah
- Lucy
- Anna