Health & Wellbeing

Increased exercise leads to unexpected injuries during lockdown

ING reveals COVID-19 has motivated the nation to become more active than ever.

Whether it be virtual fitness classes or park personal training sessions, half a million Aussies say increased exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unexpected injuries, research commissioned by ING reveals.

The research, which coincides with the launch of ING Health Insurance, suggests the pandemic has made nearly four in ten (36%) Aussies more mindful of their physical health, with some (16%) saying they are more active than ever before and 12% admitting to trying out an extreme sport.

Unfortunately, over a quarter of a million Aussie adults (9%) admit they will now require physiotherapy as a result of being more active during the lockdown.

ING’s Head of Wealth, Crystal Hanna, says: 

“The pandemic has really shone a light on the importance of physical health and while it’s great that so many Aussies are now being more active, there are sometimes unwelcome consequences that need ongoing treatment, and this is why it’s important to have adequate private health cover.”

“We’ve launched ING Health Insurance so Aussies can go after their health and fitness goals with more confidence and peace of mind.”

Additional ING research findings reveal:

 Aussies staying active:When it comes to our fitness Aussies are willing to put in the time, with the average person spending almost 3:45 hours working out every week.

  • Self-care is the ultimate goal:Aussies’ biggest motivator to stay fit and healthy is themselves (64%), closely followed by family (27%), partners (25%), doctors (22%) and friends (21%).
  • Young Aussies getting health inspiration from social media:  Gen Z are staying motivated to keep fit and healthy by following influencers on social media (20%) or taking inspiration from athletes or sport stars (15%).
  • Millennials rate themselves the healthiest generation:Aussies rate themselves a 6.3 out of 10 for overall health. Millennials rate themselves the healthiest with a score of 6.6, whilst Boomers ranked themselves the unhealthiest with a score of 6.1.

Research was commissioned by ING and undertaken by YouGov in September 2021. Total sample size was 1,030. The figures are representative of all Australians aged 18 years and older.