The Recession is good for one thing – making people healthier

The recession is making people feel fitter and healthier than this time last year, according to surprising research by Friends Provident.

10 million people are benefiting from the recession by improving their health and fitness, the research has found.  Most of these people would also like to take better care of their bodies in the future.

As money has become tighter, more people are digging out recipe books and have started eating more healthy home cooked food.

An increasing number of people have started to grow their own fruit and vegetables in a move that resembles the war time slogan of “dig for victory!”.

Alcohol consumption is down too with 28% of respondents saying that over the past year they had been drinking less alcohol and just over a third  (37%) of these people are doing so to save money.

More people are undertaking exercise that costs very little such as running, cycling or following home exercise videos.  Cycle shops are also benefiting as people save money with the Cycle to Work Scheme.

So when money is scarce, our bodies get thinner as do our wallets.

As Mark Jones, head of protection at Friends Provident, says “”Even though the recession has had an impact on a lot of the UK’s population, it’s encouraging to see that some of this impact has been positive.”

“The financial pressures combined with personal motivation have led people to take a fresh look at their lifestyle and priorities.  As a result, it looks like many have changed for the better.”

“Changing habits to lead a more healthy lifestyle today may motivate them to continue this trend in the future and contribute to securing a longer healthier life even if we can’t guarantee long term wealth.”