FIT FOR CLASS!

• Sunday 31st August revealed as the most dreaded Sunday of the year, as ‘Sunday Scaries’ strike for three quarters of Brits at the end of the school holidays
• 1 in 4 have no idea how to tackle these restless feelings
• Over two thirds (67%) turn to exercise to shake off the Sunday Scaries
• To help Brits battle the back-to-school scaries, David Lloyd Clubs has teamed up with two-time Olympic champion, Nicola Adams, to launch new REBELS Reset classes, which bring families together for an endorphin hit

This Sunday, 31st August, has been revealed as the most loathed Sunday of 2025, as three quarters of Brits (74%) admit they’re already dreading the last day of the summer holidays.

According to new research commissioned by David Lloyd Clubs, nearly half (45%) of adults admit they consistently suffer from the ‘Sunday Scaries’ – defined by experts as: ‘feelings of anxiety and preoccupation with thoughts of work or school on a Sunday’.

With symptoms kicking in at 5.17pm on average, for many this feeling dates back to childhood, as 35% claimed they’ve suffered with a sense of fear on a Sunday evening since their school days. But triggers vary hugely, from checking their planner and realising homework wasn’t done (29%), to a parent insisting on an early night (29%) or even hearing the theme tune of a Sunday-night television show (23%).

31% of those who suffer from sinking feelings on a Sunday night say they experience it most weeks, as they brace themselves for Monday – the most stressful day of the week for nearly half (45%) of Brits. Tell-tale signs of the phenomenon include over overthinking the week ahead (51%), anxiety (51%), dread (47%), and a sense of being ‘on edge’ (36%).

And it’s not just adults who feel this way. 67% of parents have spotted similar behaviour in their kids with the most common signs of stress reported as a change in temperament and poor quality of sleep. Physical signs in children included:

• Asking lots of questions about the week ahead (36%)
• Irritability (35%)
• Wanting to avoid homework and preparation for school (31%)
• Crying or emotional outbursts (29%)
• Trouble sleeping (28%).

To battle the ‘scaries’, Brits are turning to distractions to take their mind off things like watching TV (43%), going for a walk (33%) and listening to music or podcasts (27%). However, a quarter admit they simply don’t know how to eliminate the Sunday Scaries.

So, to help the nation through the end of the summer holidays, David Lloyd Clubs has partnered with two-time Olympic Champion Boxer and mental health advocate, Nicola Adams, to create REBELS Reset fitness classes, designed for parents and children aged 8-14 to work out together and have plenty of fun doing so, whilst battling away the ‘Sunday Scaries’.

Discussing the campaign, Nicola Adams said: ‘The ‘Sunday Scaries’ is a feeling we’ve all experienced at some point in our lives and something we find hard to escape. I remember it all too well from my own school days, but staying active is such a great way to not only take your mind off the ‘Sunday Scaries’ but also energise yourself for the week ahead.

I’m excited to be teaming up with David Lloyd Clubs to launch the REBELS Reset classes, which are such a fun way for families to spend quality time together, move their bodies and feel positive and empowered for the week – and term – ahead. I truly believe in the power of movement and connection to help start the week strong.’

Chartered Psychologist Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo added: ‘It’s common for people to experience anxiety on Sundays ahead of the working or school week. This can be heightened at the end of the summer holidays, when children transition from relaxed routines to structured environments.

There is great evidence to support how by simply moving our body, it can reduce anxiety. Exercise is a powerful tool as it can boost mood, improve sleep and help us produce endorphins.

Parents can support their children and manage the Sunday scaries by organising a shared activity and priotising everyday self-care such as sleep, nourishment and hydration. These easy steps can help manage the demands of the week ahead and increase resilience.’

Speaking on the launch of REBELS Reset classes nationwide, Michelle Dand, Head of Product and Programming at David Lloyd Clubs said: ‘We know how beneficial parent and child exercise classes can be for mental as well as physical health, and we are excited to launch REBELS Reset classes on Sunday 31st August to boost endorphins and combat any back-to-school nervousness.

Regular exercise is important to a healthy lifestyle and for those who can, building this into a Sunday really sets them up for the week ahead.

Weekends are important for down time and should be spent having fun, meeting others and being active, and not spent worrying about the week ahead. There is so much you can do to boost your mood, so it’s important to get out there and go for it!’

David Lloyd Clubs REBELS Reset classes will launch nationwide to members on Sunday 31st August to help the nation reclaim Sundays and reset for the busy week ahead.

A special class will also be available on the @davidlloydclubs Instagram page and blog on 31st August and will be available for everyone to do, at any time whenever the Sunday scaries take hold throughout the coming school year.

David Lloyd Clubs’ range of REBELS classes are family-friendly versions of the health club’s much-loved Signature series of fitness classes, including BLAZE, IGN1TE, SPIRIT AND BATTLEBOX. Click here for more information.

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Notes: For more information about the planning application, click here.

About David Lloyd Leisure Group:

David Lloyd Leisure helps members to live life better with a focus on physical and mental well-being and a sense of belonging. Our team and members collaborate to make a positive impact on the communities and environment in which we all want to thrive.

We are Europe’s largest health and fitness group operating 130 clubs - 101 clubs in the UK and a further 29 clubs across mainland Europe, comprising three brands David Lloyd Clubs, Harbour Clubs, and Meridian Spa and Fitness in Germany. 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, top-class racquet facilities, well-equipped group exercise studios, luxurious spas, kids club facilities, and crèches. 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 710,000 members and over 10,000 team members make a positive impact on the communities and environment in which we operate. We have an expert health and fitness team of over 2000 and more than 680 tennis professionals work with us. David Lloyd Clubs’ racquet facilities are unparalleled with over 1080 tennis courts as well as over 400 badminton and squash courts.