A poll of 2,000 adults found the cost of classes, equipment and travel puts them off moving more, alongside a lack of motivation and fear of being judged
Brits have revealed the biggest obstacles to getting active, citing cost, a lack of green spaces in their local area – and the fear of being judged. A poll of 2,000 adults found that class fees (26%), equipment costs (25%) and travel expenses (19%) are putting people off moving more.
A further 27% admitted to struggling with a lack of motivation, finding it difficult to maintain a consistent exercise routine.
The average Brit spends 45 minutes on a typical workout session, yet 36% were unaware that the UK government recommends at least two and a half hours of moderate to intense physical activity per week. Chronic health conditions (15%) and fear of injury (15%) also ranked amongst the key barriers to getting more active.
On top of this, 19% felt there simply aren’t enough opportunities to get active in their local area.
The research was commissioned by KP Snacks, sponsors of The Hundred cricket tournament and the Cricket Cities fund, which aims to create opportunities for those from underserved urban communities to get active.
A spokesperson for the brand said: “Something as simple as not having access to a safe green space, affordable activities or the confidence to take part can make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing.
“That’s why it’s so important that communities have opportunities close to home that make being active feel accessible and inclusive for everyone.
“We hope initiatives like the cricket fund can help remove some of those obstacles and inspire more people to get involved in sport and physical activity.”
More than half (56%) of those surveyed admitted to never having picked up a cricket bat, while 31% feel the sport simply isn’t accessible in their area. However, 30% said they would be keen to give it a go – if it were available locally.
Free sessions (24%), provided equipment (21%) and flexible scheduling (20%) were amongst the key factors that would encourage people to step onto the pitch.
Nearly seven in 10 (69%) of those living in urban areas said they would like to be more physically active than they currently are, compared to 62% in rural towns.
Of those who participated in the OnePoll.com study, 65% of all respondents believe greater investment should be channelled into community sport and local facilities.
A spokesperson for KP Snacks added: “We know the desire to be more active is there, but for many people the opportunities simply aren’t. That’s why it’s so important that communities have chances close to home that make being active feel accessible and inclusive for everyone.
“Everyone should have the chance to enjoy the benefits that being active can bring, regardless of where they live or their circumstances.
“By investing in local facilities, sessions and community programmes, we can help create environments where people feel supported to take that first step.”
BIGGEST BARRIERS TO GETTING ACTIVE:
- Lack of personal free time
- Lack of motivation/staying consistent
- Cost
- Confidence
- Chronic health conditions
- Fear of injury
- Social isolation (e.g. no one to go with)
- Fear of being judged
- Low body image
- Shift work
- Lack of equipment
- Lack of age-appropriate offers
- Lack of childcare
- No green space
- Lack of access to transport