Feeling bad about feeling good

Health and lifestyle issues are a source of stress according to almost two thirds of singles surveyed by Australia’s largest online singles site, RSVP. 92 per cent of singles agree that health and fitness influences desirability, increasing pressure for singles to live a healthy lifestyle.

Hannah Schwartz, General Manager, RSVP said, “amongst the angst brought by issues such as property, work and relationships, singles are also finding their own well-being a concern. It’s a cycle in which singles believe health and fitness affects desirability, which in turn makes health and fitness a source of stress in their lives.”

Discipline seems to be the best solution for singles wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle with 54 per cent of respondents saying that they have adopted an exercise and health regime to increase their desirability. An additional 31 per cent said they are thinking about starting a program.

“Living a healthy lifestyle is important to everyone. People are working longer hours, and taking shorter lunch breaks, making them too busy to eat the right food and exercise,” Schwartz said.

RSVP offers a range of social activities such as tennis, rock climbing, abseiling, skiing and bushwalking as an opportunity to participate in healthy activities whilst also enjoying the possibilities of meeting other singles who share similar interests.

Other results from the survey include:

· More than half of respondents said that feeling fit and healthy boosts their confidence and inspires them to date and socialise more.

· Feeling unmotivated exercising alone? You aren’t the only one. Almost two thirds of singles are more inclined to exercise with a partner, group or friends.

· Singles like to look good while exercising, with 45 per cent of respondents saying they try to look good while exercising.

“The results reflect the time and cosmetic pressures of modern life. We have never been more aware of the causes, sign and dangers of obesity, yet more and more of us are struggling with it.”

Once in a relationship however, singles hope their healthy habits don’t stop and would like their partners to live a healthy lifestyle too. When asked if they would consider dating someone who had no regard for their health and fitness, 43 per cent of respondents said they wouldn’t be interested and 47 per cent would consider it but would try to have a positive influence over their partner’s lifestyle in future.

“The pressures in life today, whether related to careers, finances, family or a work-life balance have never been more apparent. Singles face the challenge of juggling career, friendships and finances as well as looking after their health. Appearance and wellbeing are important factors when looking for a partner. For many, the trick is to not fall into a pattern of drinking and eating out or meal skipping. It is a constant balancing act for singles.”

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Attention News Editors and Producers

Hannah Schwartz, General Manager, RSVP is available for interview.

About RSVP www.rsvp.com.au

Launched on St. Valentine’s Day 1997, RSVP provides a fun, modern, safe and personal way for singles to meet. RSVP has grown from strength to strength and is now the largest singles site in Australia, serving the needs of almost one million members. RSVP is committed to helping individuals meet others for friendship and as potential compatible partners, and is proud of the part it has played in many stories of romance. To date, the site has been instrumental in over 2,500 weddings and nearly 350 babies.

RSVP is Australia’s number one dating site (as measured by Hitwise and Market Intelligence, 2006)

RSVP is celebrating 10 years of online dating in 2007!



MEDIA CONTACTS

Issued on behalf of RSVP by Red Agency



For further information please contact:

Ò Vida Redoblado T: (02) 9963 7721 or 0401 435 309

Ò Kath Eggleston T: (02) 9963 7714 or 0408 408 562