More than a quarter of Brits are put off being active because of high gym costs – and fear of being judged

BRITS have revealed the biggest barriers to getting active including the cost, lack of green space where they live – and fear of being judged. A poll of 2,000 adults found class fees (26 per cent), equipment (25 per cent) and travel (19 per cent) puts them off moving more. Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison swaps the Toon for the crease and picks up a cricket bat Credit: Michael Leckie/PinPep Vicky Pattison joined local community players in East London to support KP Snacks Everyone In Fund Credit: Michael Leckie/PinPep A further 27 per cent said they struggle with a lack of motivation, finding it hard to stay consistent with regular exercise. Chronic health conditions (15 per cent) and fear of injury (15 per cent) were also among the biggest barriers to them getting more active. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! 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 areas to get active. A spokesperson for the brand said: “There are still too many barriers preventing people from getting active. “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.” The study also found the average Brit spends 45 minutes in a typical session when they’re exercising. Most read in The Sun But 36 per cent weren’t aware the UK government recommends at least two and half hours of moderate to intense activity a week. And 19 per cent felt there aren’t enough opportunities available to get active in their area. More than half (56 per cent) admitted to never playing cricket before, while 31 per cent who don’t feel like it’s accessible in their area. But 30 per cent would be interested in taking part in cricket or cricket-based activities – if it was offered in their local district. With free sessions (24 per cent), equipment being provided (21 per cent) and flexible timings (20 per cent) among the things that would encourage them to take to the wicket. Almost seven in 10 (69 per cent) of those in urban areas would like to be more active than they currently are compared to 62 per cent in rural towns. And of those who took part in the study by OnePoll.com, 65 per cent of all respondents think more funding should be invested 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 Comment now