In a remarkable display of strength, three-time World’s Strongest Woman champion Rebecca Roberts has proven that everyday activities like grocery shopping can be a vital tool for building muscle and fitness. The 6ft 4in powerhouse teamed up with budget retailer Aldi to showcase how tasks like carrying heavy shopping bags can mirror the same movements used in elite strength training.
Roberts, who has the strength to pull an 18-tonne Aldi truck, believes that incorporating functional exercises into daily routines can be a game-changer for Brits struggling to find time for regular exercise. According to her, activities like gripping weights, maintaining posture, and moving steadily from point A to B during a shopping trip closely resemble the strength principles she uses when competing.
The research found that more than a third of Brits (35%) struggle to find time to regularly exercise, with almost half (44%) admitting they never go to the gym due to factors like cost, motivation, and time constraints. However, over a third (36%) of Brits trek to the supermarket between two and four times every week, and 65% said they’d be more likely to value carrying their shopping if they knew it helped build strength.
“When I’m pulling a lorry, it’s not just about brute force, it’s balance, control and repetition,” explained Roberts. “Carrying a full Aldi shop home uses the same kind of functional strength, just in a way that fits in real life. Building functional strength, along with eating a good amount of protein, is what I do when I’m training for competitions, but it’s also beneficial to anyone looking to increase muscle mass.”
The ‘hidden workout’ that Roberts is promoting could be the perfect solution for busy Brits, as it incorporates strength-building exercises like Farmer’s carries, bag squats, and weighted lunges. With more than half (51%) of Brits saying they feel accomplished after carrying their shopping bags home, it’s time to give the weekly shop the fitness credentials it deserves.
Alongside exercise, the research also found that protein is firmly front-of-mind for Brits, with 49% currently trying to eat more protein. In fact, almost a quarter (23%) of Brits are choosing protein and pull-ups at the gym over pints as they cut back on alcohol this January, and more than three-quarters (77%) are actively looking out for high-protein products during their weekly shop.
“Everyday activities such as your weekly Aldi shop involve a lot of movement and you could be carrying home between 6-10kg per bag without even realising it,” said Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK. “This could be even heavier if you pick up a couple of Specialbuys. By teaming up with Rebecca, we wanted to highlight how doing your weekly shop can help build functional strength. With nearly half of Brits looking to eat more protein, our range is the ideal way to support your fitness goals.”
