Health Publications

Shape readers' choice awards 2003

Shape, August, 2003 by Jenna McCarthy

We asked thousands of you to tell us when, where and why you work out. Plus: your favorite music, food, gear, cosmetics and much more

Congratulations, Shape readers!

You work hard to get a bikini body and you're not afraid to show it off: Nearly 40 percent of you prefer a sexy little two-piece suit. Almost one-third go the one-piece route, while a quarter of you feel moss comfortable in a tankini. But as buff as you are, less than 1 percent of you are brave enough to don a thong. To find out more about your fellow Shape readers, turn the page.

What you get isn't always what you want. Even though weight loss is your main motivation for working out, for almost 19 percent of you, feeling better physically is your No. 1 reward. Eighteen percent of you say you feel better mentally, emotionally and spiritually, while for 11 percent of you, looking better is the big payoff. Just under 9 percent of you say relieving stress is the greatest benefit, and another 9 percent say it's managing your weight.

You're working out more often than ever. This year you hit the gym -- or the trail or the courts -- an average of 3.9 times per week, up from 3.7 times a week in 2002.

Nevertheless, you'd still like to drop a few pounds. For 39 percent of you, weight loss is your No. 1 bodyimprovement goal. For 24 percent, visible muscle definition is the holy grail, while 17 percent of you want to develop a specific body part (abs, thighs and butt top your wish lists).

You even work out on vacation!

Twenty-six percent of you would choose a fitness spa as your dream getaway (followed closely by the beach). You also like to maximize all that muscle by hiking, snow skiing and white-water rafting.

Can't beat the Canyon For the third year in a row, Canyon Ranch Health Resorts (in Arizona and Massachusetts) are your favorite destination spas. The spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs (British Columbia, Canada), Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (Southern California) and Lake Austin Spa Resort (Texas) also won raves.

You don't wait to leave town to enjoy relaxing spa treatments.

Last year, when you wanted to unwind you slipped into a nice bath or shower. This year, more of you get a massage.

When getting your heart rate up, not down, is your goal, 42 percent of you hop on the treadmill and 34 percent pick the elliptical trainer. The stair climber, stationary bike and rowing machine bring up the rear.

Once, all you needed to get through a workout was a decent pair of sneakers and a good attitude. These days you're using:

* A TV (60 percent)

* The equipment's electronic display (52 percent)

* A portable CD player (34 percent)

* A cassette player (30 percent)

* A heart-rate monitor (29 percent) You also like using stopwatches, pedometers, MP3 players and virtual training programs.

You've been doing some fitness shopping ... and unloading. This year you own more free weights, treadmills and stability balls than last year - but on the other hand, you've gotten rid of some of your ab machines and stair climbers.

When you shop online, you're most likely to buy clothes (23 percent), books (20 percent), CDs or videos (6 percent) or beauty products (5 percent).

Your mind is definitely on your body. When you're working up a sweat, 35 percent of you are focused on improving your body and reaching your fitness goals. A conscientious 21 percent are tuned in to how your workout feels. Twelve percent of you are busy watching Dr. Phil (or Oprah or Regis), while another 12 percent pass the time tabulating a mental to-do list. Your job and sex life barely made the roster!

How'd you get that toned bod? [strength-trainers only]

Weight machines                26%
Free weights at the gym        25%
Free weights at home           24%
Group strength-training class   7%
Using your body weight as       6%
 resistance
Home gym machine                5%

What motivates you most to keep working out?

Almost 22 percent of you say it's to keep your weight under control.
Nineteen percent of you exercise to look better, 15 percent to feel
better physically, and 11 percent so you'll feel better mentally,
emotionally and spiritually.