Britons put off exercise by cost of gyms

A third of people of all ages think they are too expensive, rising to 42 per cent for 18 to 24-year-olds. This compares to 19 per cent of those aged over 55 who do not exercise because of the cost.

The survey of more than 2,000 people, carried out for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), also shows 18 per cent blame the British weather for their lack of activity.

Time pressures caused by work and family commitments are another main reason why people do not exercise, with 36 per cent mentioning it.

Students said they did not have enough time, with two-fifths blaming busy lifestyles for not getting active.

The laziest group, however, appeared to be the 18 to 24-year-olds, with a third saying they just could not be bothered to exercise.

Experts at the WCRF are worried the public are ignoring the health benefits of exercise, including the evidence that it reduces the risk of cancer.