Brad Shaw
The nation’s been asked a question that could spark arguments in any spin class: Who would you most like to sweat it out with?
The answers? A gloriously British mix of glamour, grit, and Lycra. According to a new survey by ukactive, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tops the men’s list — proving that even across the Atlantic, we can’t resist a man who can bench-press a Mini Cooper and still smile about it.
Following him are Arnold Schwarzenegger, Joe Wicks, Mr Motivator, and David Beckham, rounding out a lineup that could probably power a small city on positive energy alone.
Not to be outdone, the women’s dream team features Margot Robbie, Scarlett Johansson, Dawn French, Jane Fonda, and Joanna Lumley — a line-up so delightfully unpredictable it could only come from a British poll.
The People’s Choice: From Screen Icons to Soulmates
Apparently, we like a bit of celebrity sparkle with our burpees. Actors and actresses came out as the top dream category, followed by sports stars, partners or spouses, singers, and TV presenters. Still, eight per cent of romantics would rather hit the gym with their other half — proof that love really does conquer all, even the treadmill.
The survey, conducted by Savanta for ukactive, also dug into why people get moving. A whopping 54% said they work out for their mental health, while 49% are chasing that elusive “get in shape” goal. For others, it’s about stress relief (41%), confidence (32%), or simply meeting new people (8%) — though perhaps not while gasping for breath in a HIIT class.
Mr Motivator Still Has the Magic
No list of fitness icons would be complete without the man himself — Mr Motivator — who lit up the nation’s mornings long before TikTok turned fitness into a side hustle. He’s back championing the cause, preaching his signature gospel of fun and movement.
“The more different and varied that fitness instructors are the better – giving everyone a choice of how to workout.
Select who you wish as your dream workout partner and then embrace the wonderful benefits you will derive from a more active lifestyle.
Regardless of who you choose, make sure you exercise and most importantly make sure you have fun!”
The man hasn’t lost a beat — or a neon unitard.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, summed it up like a seasoned coach rallying his team: “There are a million great reasons for being physically active throughout our lives and these findings show how much people value the social and mental benefits, as well as the physical impact.
It’s great to see the stars inspiring our nation to be more active, but even better to hear people recognise the inspiration closer to home.
Whether it’s your partner, a friend, colleague, your local exercise group, or sports club, getting active together has never been more rewarding and important for good health and wellbeing throughout our lives.
We’re on a mission to make the UK the most active nation in Europe so we’re encouraging people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to join the fun and commit to being more active every day of the year.”
The Bottom Line
So, whether you’re channelling The Rock’s intensity or Dawn French’s comic charm, grab your partner, your mate, or just your best playlist — and make it count.
