● New research by KX Pilates reveals Gen Z identify as the loneliest demographic (59%) ● 43% of lonely Australians report feeling more isolated now than in the pandemic ● Exercise cited as the number one activity to destress
● Group exercise class participants had an 18% increase in positive mental well-being and lower levels of disconnection and loneliness
● KX Pilates is calling on Aussies to get involved in its ‘24-Hour Pilates for Mental Health’ relay to support Lifeline’s 24/7 services
● Head to 24hourpilates.com to sign-up individually or as a team. To enter, donate $39 to Lifeline – the average cost to answer one call
Reformer Pilates leader KX Pilates has announced a new partnership with Lifeline – and will launch a world first 24-Hour Pilates for Mental Health relay on Saturday 22 July, with 100% of class proceeds donated to Australia’s leading suicide prevention service.
The relay comes as Lifeline reveal they received more contacts via the 24/7 text and webchat services than ever before – with 116,389 in the first six months of 2023 compared to 97,802 over the same period in 2022 – marking a 17% increase.
In 2023, Lifeline are receiving an average of 3,009 calls a day, with peaks of up to 3,442. On Lifeline’s online Support Toolkit, the most accessed resources over the last six months relate to substance misuse, followed by anxiety, depression, self-harm, and trauma.
KX Pilates has also commissioned new national research to unveil consumer sentiment on the biggest stressors of 2023, seasonal depression, and group exercise.
More than half of all respondents experience seasonal depression (51%). This was led by Gen Z (70%), Millennials (63%) and Gen X (56%). More than 73% cited winter as the peak season with the most negative feelings including anxiety (40%), stress (36%) and sadness (34%).
Gen Z reported the highest levels of loneliness (59%) followed closely by Millennials (41%). Gen Z also claimed the highest levels of disconnection (48%) followed by Gen X (39%).
When asked whether they felt a heightened sense of loneliness compared to this time last year, almost 40% cited yes. Surprisingly, 43% reported feeling more lonely than in the pandemic.
When asked whether they felt a heightened sense of loneliness compared to this time last year, almost 40% cited yes. Surprisingly, 43% reported feeling more lonely than in the pandemic.
According to Lifeline’s Research Chief Research Officer Dr Anna Brooks, social isolation can have marked and varied negative impacts on human health.
“Evidence shows us that forging, rekindling or maintaining connection with others can help protect against the negative impacts of social isolation,” said Dr Brooks.
KX found that the biggest stressors this winter were money and finance (63%) followed by health (38%), which included a lack of fitness or poor mental wellbeing. The survey went on to find Aussies opt for exercise (41%) to help destress, such as walking or activities like weights and Reformer Pilates, followed by entertainment (29%) and socialising with friends or the community (24%).
Of those who participate in group exercises, the top reasons were physical benefits (72%) and mental wellbeing (67%). Interestingly, those respondents had an 18% higher positive mental wellbeing rating (50%), compared to those who didn’t attend (41%). Those who didn’t participate in group classes also reported a 16% increase in feelings of disconnection and 6% increase in feelings of loneliness.
KX Pilates Chief Executive Officer Selina Bridge said group exercise works to provide feelings of connection, personal improvement and fosters a sense of community.
“We understand the benefits group exercise can have on our mental and physical wellbeing – and we feel privileged to partner with Lifeline to create an initiative that highlights what we do best. We hope Australians can rally behind us to help raise as much money as possible to support Lifeline’s incredible life saving work,” said Bridge.
While KX Pilates classes consist of 90% female attendees, the survey revealed that men (42%) were more likely to do group exercises for social reasons than women (28%). They were also more likely to participate for feelings of connections (32%) compared to women (19%).
The majority of Aussies who regularly exercise (72%) revealed their optimal workout time was between 6-8am (17%), 8-10am (16%) and 4-6pm (16%). Gen Z are the night owls of the bunch with 23% exercising between 6pm-midnight. Gen X led the early birds with nine per cent working out between 4-6am.
KX Pilates and Lifeline’s ‘24 Hour Pilates for Mental Health’ relay takes place at 7am on Saturday 22 July and concludes at 7am on Sunday 23 July.
Entry to book one Reformer Pilates session in the event (50-minute KX Pilates class) costs $39 – the average cost to fund one Lifeline call. All participants will have the opportunity to raise awareness and donations within their community via individual or team fundraising pages.
Participating studios include Richmond (VIC), Concord (NSW), Mona Vale (NSW), Mount Lawley (WA), St Marys (SA), Newstead (QLD) and Rosny (TAS).
To participate in the 24-Hour Pilates for Mental Health challenge visit 24hourpilates.com. All proceeds raised from the event will be donated to Lifeline.
If you, or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable. You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24/7), text 0477 131 114 (24/7) or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au (24/7). Or for those not ready to speak to someone directly our Support Toolkit is available at lifeline.org.au/toolkit.
