Men’s Sports Viewing Habits May Be Affecting Their Health, TENA Study Finds
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Editorial Dept.
Men’s passion for sports can sometimes lead them to ignore basic signals from their bodies, from skipping breaks to staying tense through high-pressure moments. New research from TENA highlights how these habits may affect physical (and mental) well-being over time. It encourages fans to make small changes – while enjoying the games they love. The findings offer a reminder that listening to the body is an important part of maintaining long-term health.
Notably, according to a press release from TENA, their research found that 73% of men admit to delaying bathroom breaks while watching sports so they don’t miss key moments*.
The findings come during a packed sporting summer, when fans sit for long stretches, often sacrificing sleep, bathroom breaks, and movement without realizing the toll it takes.
While it may feel harmless in the moment, experts warn that these habits can build-up over time, contributing to bladder issues, physical strain, and lasting discomfort.
To address this, TENA partnered with physiotherapist Alex Lee* and clinical counselor Matthew Grammer* to explore how ignoring cues like fatigue, bladder urges, and stress affects men’s well-being.
The Body Treats Big Sports Moments Like Stress
Lee explains that intense sporting moments trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response: breathing shortens, heart rate rises, and muscles tighten. TENA’s survey found 31% of fans experience a racing heartbeat while watching their team, 27% hold their breath, and 24% notice muscle tension*.
Grammer adds that repeatedly overriding basic needs like using the bathroom or resting can disconnect men from their body’s warning signs, contributing to chronic stress and burnout.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Irritability
- Reduced focus and productivity
- Feeling mentally or physically drained
- Prolonged fatigue, shallow breathing
- Changes in posture, tingling, or muscle tension
Simple Habits to Adopt
Lee and Grammer recommend small changes rather than drastic ones:
- Getting up every 30-45 minutes
- Taking bathroom breaks when needed
- Stretching regularly
- Practicing deep breathing during tense moments
- Staying hydrated
- Checking mentally: “Am I tense, hungry, or tired?”
Rest Is Not Weakness
Grammer notes this is a broader conversation around how men view rest and self-care. “Many men associate rest with weakness or inefficiency. But in reality, rest is essential for performance, resilience, and long-term health.”
Hazel Villarreal, Marketing Director for TENA North America says: “We want to create a comfortable environment for men, and hope these insights help normalize listening to the body earlier, before small issues grow into larger concerns, encouraging more open conversations about well-being, self-care, and long-term health.”
Additional insights from Lee and Grammer can be found here: https://shop.tena.us/pages/overlooked-sporting-habits-affecting-men-s-health
*Data sources and methodology can be found here: https://shop.tena.us/pages/overlooked-sporting-habits-affecting-men-s-health
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