Just How Average Are You? (Fitness-Wise, of Course)

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It’s human nature to compare yourself with colleagues, friends, that person who cut you up on the drive to work (what a fool) – but how would you compare with the rest of Britain when it comes to fitness? Supplements purveyor Predator Nutrition commissioned a YouGov poll of more than 2,000 of your fellow countrymen, did some complicated maths and came up with a profile of the average adult Brit.

Unfortunately, the survey discovered we may be engaging in some wishful thinking. Based on the responses, 42% peg themselves as overweight, although the actual number is likely to be closer to 60% according to a House of Commons briefing paper. And on a number of other health measures and recommendations, from the NHS to the World Health Organisation, we’re not making the grade.

So what’s to be done? Well, start by seeing where you fall on the scales by taking the quiz. It asks you about your body type (ectomorphendomorph or mesomorph), as well as asking about your diet and the amount of cardio and strength training you do. The quiz then compares your answers with the average.

Beating the population in terms of fitness? High five! Dropping off the pace? Fear not – we’re not here to give you a hard time.

Diet-wise, we’ve got plenty of healthy eating ideas to help you start making some changes, from this four-week meal plan to simple fat loss tips to easy food wins. And how about pairing it with this eight-week running training plan for beginners.

Too much? Our new rules of fitness recommends “Every Day Activity” – introducing small activities into your daily routine such as taking the stairs, getting off a stop early and walking the rest of the way, or even swapping a trolley in the supermarket for two baskets. Made a small change to improve your fitness? High five!

Jonathan Shannon
Editor

Jonathan Shannon has been the editor of the Coach website since 2016, developing a wide-ranging experience of health and fitness. Jonathan took up running while editing Coach and has run a sub-40min 10K and 1hr 28min half marathon. His next ambition is to complete a marathon. He’s an advocate of cycling to work and is Coach’s e-bike reviewer, and not just because he lives up a bit of a hill. He also reviews fitness trackers and other workout gear.