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

00:01 13 October 2021: 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.

Find out more about ING Health Insurance at www.ing.com.au/healthinsurance

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

The information contained in this  media release is correct as at the date of publication.

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.

For more information contact Megan Landauro on 0413 317 225 or megan.landauro@ing.com.au.

About ING 

ING changed the way Australians bank 21 years ago by launching the country’s first branchless bank. ING now offers Australians award winning home loans, transactional banking, superannuation, credit cards, personal lending, insurance and wholesale banking services.

ING is Australia’s most recommended bank according to RFi XPRT Survey, February 2021 – July 2021 (n = 31,903) when compared to customers of 20 other banks operating in Australia. It is also Australia’s fifth largest main financial institution (MFI) with 6% of market share according to RFi XPRT Survey, February 2021 – July 2021 (n= 31,903). MFI is defined as the bank that the consumer says is their main financial institution.

ING, a business name of ING Bank (Australia) Limited ABN 24 000 893 292 AFSL 229823.

About ING Health Insurance  

ING Health Insurance is issued by nib health funds limited (ABN 83 000 124 381) (nib), a registered private health insurer and is marketed ING Bank (Australia) Limited (ABN 24 000 893 292) (ING).by ING (ABN 24 000 893 292). ING is an authorised agent of nib and receives commission from nib. An ING Health Insurance policy issued does not represent a deposit with or liability of, and is not guaranteed or otherwise supported by, ING or its related bodies corporate.