Home Workouts 'Lead to Accidents'

Many cash-strapped women are risking insurance claims by swapping pricey gym memberships for home workouts, it has been suggested.

New research from home insurance provider Sheilas' Wheels has shown that as many as 65 per cent of UK females - 20 million people - are shunning the gym in this way. However, the fact that the average lounge space measures just two metres square means that the accident risk is high.

The poll shows that 18 per cent of women who exercise indoors have either injured themselves or damaged their surroundings while doing so. Bumping into furniture was the most common mishap, with pulling a muscle and tripping over a pet close behind. Moreover, vases were the most-damaged item among the fitness fans - with instances of TV breakages also recorded.

Jacky Brown at Sheilas’ Wheels home insurance, commented: "As summer holidays fast approach, the pressure is on for women to have a bikini-fit body. However, our research shows that many are shying away from gyms and are increasingly keen to exercise at home, to save time and - in the current economic climate - to save money. Although indoor fitness can be a great way to build some regular activity into your daily routine, exercise a little restraint and prepare your at-home keep fit area thoroughly beforehand.

"Sheilas’ Wheels urges women to make sure that they have adequate cover against accidental damage in their home before embarking on any indoor fitness regime."