One-fourth Indians do not exercise: Survey

Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey reveals one in two people feel less stressed, one in four feel more socially active and productive at work after walking

Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2013, a study on walking behaviour of people in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore has revealed that one-fourth Indians do not exercise and out of 75% of those who do, 56% prefer walking over running, swimming and gymming.

One in two people feel less stressed, one in four people feel more socially active and productive at work after walking, reveals the survey.

According to the survey, 42% of the respondents across the three cities expressed the desire to remain healthy, 34% cited health conditions like blood pressure and heart problems as key reasons to take up walking, while 24% started walking after doctor's advice.

Amongst the key benefits of walking, 53% respondents agreed to experience decrease in stress and 41% vouched for improvement in their blood pressure.

Long office hours surfaced as one of the key barriers for not taking up walking as an exercise. Some (18%) expressed fear of safety and security, 15% cited lack of walking area in the vicinity and 14% cited traffic as the key barrier for walking. Also, 19% said they prefer spending time with the family than walk.

Manasije Mishra, Chief Executive Officer of Max Bupa Health Insurance said, "Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey is an insight into people's attitude towards walking and shows that regular walking induces positive social and behavioural change among people. It also enhances their productivity and encourages them to lead a healthier lifestyle."

The survey has also revealed interesting insights on how people are increasingly using phone-based applications and devices for walking. People in Delhi (50%) and Bangalore (49%) were found to be more tech savvy than people in Mumbai (44%). In general, younger population between 25-30 years old was found to be the most tech savvy.

The tech savvy people are more health aware and spend time watching health related content on television channels (61%), searching for health tips and information online (64%).

The survey shows that 80% respondents in Delhi who were regular walkers are more health conscious and possess health insurance. These policyholders are also more health aware and undergo regular preventive health checkups. 36% of them get their blood pressure levels checked regularly and 32% get frequent blood tests done.

Improved lifestyle also served as a key motivator for 40% respondents to walk. Typically, women prefer to walk with partners (52%) while men prefer to walk alone. However, 70% men confessed their preference to walk with partners is a source of motivation to walk.