With May swiftly approaching, exams are looming. Many students across various Island schools have reported an upsurge in peers attending the gym.

Is this a result of exam stress? Peer pressure? Or social media? 

A 2022 survey by Pure Gym showed that 79% of the UK population feels their health has become increasingly important over the last three years.

58% of Britons exercise a minimum of once a week. 36% feel they do not have enough time to exercise continually. 

Louise Simmonds, head of physical education at Christ The King College, said she thinks social media has played a key role in encouraging young people into gyms: “Influencers are seen at the gym, talking about keeping themselves fit and healthy.

"Some might see this as the pressure of how they should look. The other side is that more young people are going to the gym to keep them fit and healthy.”

Year 11 students across Christ The King College had varying opinions.

Phoebe Nicholls-Taylor expressed passion toward the subject: “There has been an increase of students going to the gym because they want to find happiness in themselves.

"Mostly from social media, feeling confident, showing the results of working hard and doing something you love can make you a whole different person.”

Charlie Haward mostly agreed, saying that the desire for personal change was a motivation.

Nonetheless, he also mentioned that peers and bullying were significant factors as there is pressure to be attractive.

Matteus Lamb and Grace Robinson explained the pressure to look good and achieve a “summer body". 

Colloquial terms as such give an insight into contemporary beauty standards and their influence on young people. 

Although not the primary motivation, increased gym activity still correlates with the countdown to exams.

Most interviewed students agreed that exercise is an effective stress reliever. Throughout exam season, Grace Robinson said she used the gym as a relaxation form. 

According to research by the Mayo Clinic, gym sessions stimulate endorphin release, relieving anxiety.

Louise Simmonds agreed: “I would recommend not just the gym but doing any sport or fitness during exam season. Staying active not only benefits us physically but also keeps our minds active as well.

"It doesn't have to be the gym, which can be costly. It could be walking the dog for 30 minutes or a bike ride with your family.”

In the long term, many students may use gym activities to guide their Post-16 studies or career paths.

Charlie Haward shared his Post-16 options, which included a double Sports Studies BTEC. However, he said: ”I don't know if I’ll look for a job in the gym because I already go there a lot. I spend most of my day, a good chunk of my day there, so probably not.”