One in 10 people admit to doing no physical activity in the last decade
Over three quarters of people are unaware of the recommended minimum amount of physical activity needed every week and are not keen to get active.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) commissioned a survey to mark the launch of their 2016 event series, which offers over 60 events ranging from cycling, running, swimming, walking, treks to overseas challenges.
Results of the survey include:
- 20% of UK adults openly admit to not exercising
- 45% of Brits have not run at all in the past year
- 14% admit to finding exercise boring
- 25% blame their lack of physical activity on bad weather
- 26% state they do not have enough time to exercise
- 34% admit they are too lazy to exercise
Over half (51%) of people believe a minimum of 20 minutes exercise, such as brisk walking, at least three times a week will suffice for their exercise requirement.
However, according to the report on physical activity for health from the four home countries’ Chief Medical Officers, we should aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity every week, such as brisk walking or cycling - only 17% of people are aware of this.
The BHF want to encourage people to challenge themselves in 2016. Through the event series there are opportunities for people of all physical abilities to get active.
Physical Activity Specialist Lisa Young, of the BHF, commented:
“I’m not surprised to learn just how little awareness there is around the recommended minimum amount of exercise people should aim for every week. However, it is very concerning that over one in ten Brits have not been physically active for over ten years and over a third simply blame it on their own laziness!
“Physical activity is essential for your heart health and should not be ignored. Not only can keeping fit help reduce your risk of heart disease, it can help you control your weight, reduce blood pressure/cholesterol and improve your mental health."
