64% Are Too Embarrassed To Exercise

MANCHESTER, England - June 20, 2018 - EntSun -- Research looking into the UK's exercising habits has revealed that the majority (64%) of Brits blame their lack of exercise on embarrassment, admitting that they feel too self-conscious to work out.

Satsuma Loans surveyed more than 1,000 Brits about their physical activity levels after the UK was named as the most overweight nation in Western Europe[1], with obesity rates rising faster than in the US.

As well as embarrassment, the research found that the cost of gym memberships also put people off exercising, with more than a quarter of respondents claiming they would go to the gym if it was free.

The top five excuses people gave for not exercising are:

Embarrassment (64%)

Lack of free time (58%)

Poor fitness level (43%)

Cost (27%)

Confusion around what exercise is best (25%)

Despite Government recommendations that we should try to be active daily and do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week, less than 10% of those in the study said they exercise this much, with one in ten admitting that they don't get any exercise at all.

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When it comes to men and women 43% of male respondents said they are happy with the amount of exercise they do compared to just 30% of women. Surprisingly, people's interest in exercise seems to decline with age as two thirds of those aged 18-24 said they would like to exercise more often compared to just half of those aged 35-44 and less than a third of those aged 55-64.

In light of these findings Satsuma Loans has created an online tool where people can find free places to exercise in their nearest city: https://www.satsumaloans.co.uk/tools-and-tips/get-fit-for-free

A spokesperson from Satsuma said: "Some gym memberships can be costly and if people are looking for ways to save money our tool could help. Switching gym activity for park runs, free yoga sessions or even joining an ultimate frisbee group could help make a significant saving."

[1] http://www.oecd.org/health/health-systems/health-at-a-glance-19991312.htm