FROM DESK TO DIP, DOUBLE QUICK.

• Research has revealed that, despite the rise of flexible working, almost half (47%) of UK workers feel unable to fit health and wellness into their daily schedule
• 80% of Brits are spending up to 5 hours straight in meetings on an average day, leading us to become a more inactive nation
• To help Brits work smarter not harder and maximise time for wellness around working, David Lloyd Clubs has launched a sartorial solution: the ‘Swim Suit’ collection – desk ready outfits which stay dry from desk to pool, and back again
• The health and wellness group is encouraging the nation to take frequent breaks throughout the day to improve overall wellbeing.

UK, 8th January 2025: Today marks the busiest ‘back to the office’ day of 2025, as workers have made the most of flexible working and delayed their first commute of the year. Yet, as the new year begins, a new study by David Lloyd Clubs has revealed that a growing culture of back-to-back meetings is wiping out precious downtime in every working day, making hybrid working less appealing to many. In fact, 80% of Brits are spending up to 5 hours straight in meetings on an average day, leading us to become a more inactive nation which struggles to make time for wellness.

David Lloyd Clubs offers premium adults only work spaces at all of its clubs. So, to save Brits from having to choose between work and working out, they have unveiled the ‘Swim Suit’ collection – the ultimate work(out)wear which helps you get from dip, to desk in a matter of minutes.

Created with cutting edge fabrics, the groundbreaking hydrophobic clothing collection stays dry after a dip, allowing workers to head back to the clubs to continue their working day in seconds, bone-dry and ready for the next video call. The ‘Swim Suit’ collection consists of three looks; a classic, sleek suit, a jumpsuit and a sports-luxe polo shirt and trousers – giving the perfect professional look with minimal effort.

The Swim Suit collection was designed to offer flexible working solutions to those who want to combine wellness into the working day. With just a few steps between work spaces, pool, spa, racquets courts, group exercise studios or the gyms, the Swim Suit allows members to forego the changing room and make the most of the extensive facilities within clubs.

Today’s research also reveals that the blight of back-to-back meetings is ‘public enemy number one’ when it comes to fitting important wellness moments into our daily routines, with 81% saying they try to avoid them wherever possible.

To help the nation carve out time for health and wellness, David Lloyd Clubs has partnered with productivity expert Dr Sophie Mort to provide insight on how interspersing elements of wellness throughout the day can actually improve our productivity at work.

Dr Sophie Mort, Wellness and Psychology expert, said: “As we head into the new year, it can be hard to carve out time to look after ourselves with the pressures of work and family commitments. Rather than setting unrealistic goals, it's far more beneficial to form healthy habits that integrate seamlessly into our lifestyles.

Studies have shown that short ‘snackable’ bursts of activity of as little as 10 minutes throughout the day are effective for both health and productivity. This approach makes exercise more accessible and sustainable — small but consistent efforts add up over time.

The ‘Swim Suit’ offers a refreshing take on wellness, for both body and mind. Physical activity, even in short bursts, also improves mental wellbeing by boosting circulation, reducing stress, and enhancing mood by releasing endorphins. Quick sessions can leave us feeling more alert, less anxious, and better equipped to handle the demands of the day. These short bursts are proven to increase productivity — research shows that even brief exercise can improve focus and energy levels, allowing us to be more efficient and effective in our work”.

As the nation heads back to work, demands on our time have never been higher. In an average week we spend over three hours working outside of our contracted hours. Meetings impact work-life balance by reducing time for doing important tasks (23%), increasing stress levels (22%) and making people feel tired and sluggish (20%).

What is more, 58% say they find it difficult to prioritise wellness due to their work commitments, 66% say they would take part in more fitness and wellness activities if their job didn’t get in the way, and yet 68% have skipped their lunch break due to their work schedule – a perfect time for some well-deserved wellness time.

Just 18% of Brits take part in wellness activities during the working day; after work is currently the most popular time to exercise (50%), followed by before work (30%). 40% say they feel guilty when taking time out of their day for fitness and wellness, with meeting obligations (50%), interruption of workflow (46%) and fear bosses will think we are less productive (39%) cited as the main reasons for these feelings.

Andrea Dearden, Marketing Director at David Lloyd Clubs, said: “Incorporating short bursts of wellness throughout the day can add up to a much-improved way of life overall. We’ve seen a sharp increase in members basing themselves from our clubs for the day, using our premium work spaces and dipping in and out of the pool, gym, group classes, Spa Retreats or padel courts, making work life much more balanced. We believe pockets of wellness throughout the day make all the difference to our overall wellbeing.

The ‘Swim Suit’ collection is truly one of a kind and we’re so pleased to bring to life something we thought we could only wish for to ‘dive’ straight into the new year!”

The collection is currently on trial with the potential to become a wardrobe staple at a later date. For further information about David Lloyd Clubs, visit https://www.davidlloyd.co.uk/

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For further information contact the David Lloyd team at One Green Bean at [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

• The study was undertaken polling 2,000 respondents who work in an office-based environment in December 2024
• The ‘Swim Suit’ collection was designed and made by Viva Halton.

About David Lloyd Leisure Group

David Lloyd Leisure helps members to live life better with a focus on physical and mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging. We are Europe’s leading premium health and wellness group operating 134 clubs – 105 clubs in the UK and a further 29 clubs across mainland Europe, comprising three brands David Lloyd Clubs, Harbour Clubs and David Lloyd Meridian Spa and Fitness in Germany.

David Lloyd Clubs’ premium facilities are unparalleled. We continually innovate to offer the best products and services for families and individuals in welcoming surroundings including state-of-the-art gyms, heated indoor and outdoor pools, well-equipped group exercise studios, luxurious spas, kids club facilities and crèches. We also have the broadest range of racquet sports including tennis, padel, pickleball and badminton. Our Clubrooms offer a place to spend time with friends and family or enjoy a bite to eat. Our clubs also feature large and inviting spaces to work, relax and socialise.

Our 750,000+ members and over 11,500 team members make a positive impact on the communities and environment in which we operate. We pride ourselves in employing the best experts in the industry, including health and wellness specialists, group exercise instructors and PTs, as well as racquets coaches and swim coaches.