Kelly Brook maximises her figure in flattering dresses
There are plenty of celebrity bodies to drool over, but it would seem that Hugh Jackman and Kelly Brook have topped the list of those Brits would like to look like.
Coming in close second in both sexes was Brad Pitt and Holly Willoughby, according to the new research.
Hugh Jackman is inspiration for plenty of menResearchers also found four in 10 adults are far more concerned about looking good than ensuring they are fit and well. Further still, 57 per cent noted that they always feel thinner after a workout, while two thirds feel more toned.
The poll of 2,000 men and women by Nurofen Express Heat Patches shows 44 per cent of people only embark on regular exercise to stop them from looking overweight, while 28 per cent believe it helps them fight the signs of ageing.
But whatever the intentions for taking up exercise, a large percentage of people end up injuring themselves with their ‘faddy’ approach to sports and fitness.
Indeed, more than half of people never warm up before they exercise, and six in 10 don’t bother to warm down.
As such four in 10 Brits have injured themselves while working out – with the most common injuries being strains, sprains and torn ligaments.
Worryingly the results also revealed that a large percentage of women 43% and men 41% have been forced to quit sport and fitness due to injury.
A spokeswoman for Nurofen Express Heat Patches said: “Image is clearly everything for many adults; it seems that people are not primarily concerned about damaging their body as long as they look good”.
Just under half of those polled admit they are far more motivated to exercise in the lead up to an event such as a party, wedding, birthday or holiday.
Dr Mike Loosemore, consultant in sport and exercise medicine at University College London comments on the findings: “The results of this survey show that many people are increasing their exercise to look better, whatever the reason it is proven that increasing exercise not only improves the way you look on the outside but also improves your health on the inside. To sustain these positive effects of exercise it is important to remain injury free, to do this it is key to prepare to exercise and treat any injuries early.”
Dr Loosemore continues: “It’s great that people are exercising regularly but if we want to enjoy sport and fitness we need to care for our bodies. My top tip would be to ensure you warm up and cool down correctly, these few minutes at the beginning and end of a workout can make all the difference and ensure that you can continue your exercise regime, whatever your motivation. Also, look after any injuries you do sustain. Initially treat them with rest, other interventions such as pain relief creams and gels and something to warm the injury and relax the muscle."
The study also shows 76 per cent of British adults feel much happier with the way they look if they have had a good week of exercising, revealing that 37 per cent of people who exercise three times a week are currently quite proud of their body.
When it comes to working out, men are most concerned about their bulging biceps – and four in 10 make sure they get the most attention at the gym. Blokes are also concerned with achieving a washboard stomach, while 34 per cent want an impressive set of pecs. Whereas six in 10 women are hung up about their tummies, and exercise to try and combat the bulge. A further 52 per cent of women want nice toned legs so that they feel good when wearing skirts and dresses, while 36 per cent of girls are worried about having a big bottom.
Other key motivators for exercise and fitness include wanting to impress a partner, feeling strong and to fit into a particular outfit. One in 10 people only go to the gym in the hope they will meet someone and find love, and 11 per cent will exercise more to make themselves feel better after a night on the town.
Tagged in Hugh Jackman Kelly Brook exercise fitness tips Workout