Nearly half of UK population taking no exercise
As 2012 approaches, new research from Scottish Widows shows that the UK is far from a nation of Olympic wannabes. On average, people spend just 108 minutes each week keeping fit, taking part in just two (1.7) exercise sessions according to the inaugural Scottish Widows campaign to ‘Get The Nation Exercising'.
According to the research, just under one half of the population (45%) abstains from any form of exercise, and those that do once or more a week spend nearly double the time of the national average to work out for 3.2 hours (192 minutes).
It's not all bad news as over half (55%) of adults engage in at least one session of exercise per week, however nearly one third (29%) are doing the recommended three or more sessions. Among those who engage in at least one session, the average amount of time spent exercising is three hours with males spending slightly more time exercising than females (three and a half hours vs. three hours).
Those who exercise for at least 30 minutes average three (3.1) sessions per week are most likely to be done by those from the North East (34%) compared to those from Yorkshire who turn out to be the least active (23%).
When asked, those who do at least one session of exercise per week said their primary motivation was to stay healthy (36%) with 58% of retirees making up this group. One in five (18%) said it was to stay in shape, 16% to lose weight, and 14% wanting to get healthy.
The third (31%) of people not exercising said it was because they don't have enough free time, with 20-29 year olds proving to be the most time poor (55%). Other responses for skipping exercise include lack of interest (25%), thinking exercise is boring (18%), or it's too much hard work (13%).
What would make your exercise more?
Almost one third (32%) of people stated having more free time would encourage them to exercise more, with a quarter (25%) feeling cost reductions would help, and 19% believing finding a fun way to exercise would push them. One fifth (18%) of people believe having a sports partner would help them to be more active, and just 9% think they already do enough exercise and would not like to do anymore.
Sarah Storey, Scottish Widows Ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Paralympic Medal Winner, said: "With nearly half the nation not taking part in any type of exercise, it is essential people understand the physical, mental and social well-being benefits that come with leading a healthy and balanced a lifestyle. We live in busy times, but building in enough time to look after your health as well as having some fun will help you reap the benefits.
"Part of the UK's hopes for hosting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games rested on the legacy it would leave us with - a healthy nation, with people enthused to take part in sport. However, with just two years to go until the London 2012 Games it seems we are facing an uphill struggle to get people off the sofa watching sport and actually taking part.
"Hopefully as the Games get closer and people from around the country get behind us as athletes, these trends will change and more and more people will become more active."