Many of us aren’t the best at being consistent with our fitness regimes.
And in a survey of 2,000 people, Brits admitted to having a “fairweather” approach to exercising.
Research identified the top excuses for not working out, such as finishing work too late, bad weather or being hungover.
Food plays a big part, with one in 10 admitting they’ve skipped exercise because they were too hungry and 16% have done so because they’d only just eaten.
But for three in five the weather makes a big difference to their fitness routine, with rain, cold temperatures and snow making the list.
The research, commissioned by Spatone, also found people are most likely to bail out of exercise in the evening (35%), while a fifth will put it off in the morning.
(Image: Getty Images)
Julia Cameron-Wallace, Spatone brand manager, said: “The research shows how many people regularly lack both energy and motivation to exercise.
“Busy days, social plans and work commitments can easily get in the way of workouts.
“It seems the weather has a big impact, hopefully with summer around the corner more people will feel motivated to exercise outdoors.
“We hope to give people the natural energy they need to put their trainers on and get moving.”
The study also found more than half of Brits are likely to use an excuse when planning to exercise on their own.
But three in 10 admitted they have been known to bail on a planned workout with someone else.
- You’re too tired
- It’s raining
- It’s too cold
- You’ve got a cold
- You’ve only just eaten
- It’s too late in the day to exercise
- You don’t have time during the working day
- You’ve got sore muscles
- You get bored of exercise
- You finished work late
- You’re planning to exercise tomorrow instead
- It’s dark outside
- You exercised yesterday
- You’ve already got other plans
- It’s snowing
- You’re hungover
- You’re having a rest week
- You’re too hungry
- You don’t want to exercise in public
- You want an early night
Other popular excuses to avoid exercise include it not being ‘hair wash night’, needing new trainers and not having space to do so in their home.
Some have even used the excuse of their favourite TV show being on to get out of exercise.
However, on the flip side, things that would motivate people to workout were having nicer weather (39%), more energy (35%) and longer days (24%).
During the typical week in summer 30% of people exercise more than five times a week, but this dips to 23% in winter.
Working out with someone else (21%), upbeat music (21%) and having an end goal (21%) were also among the top encouragements.
But bailing on a workout leaves people feeling guilty (39%), demotivated (27%) and sluggish (24%), according to the study carried out via OnePoll.
Julia added: “If you’re feeling tired or fatigued, you might not be getting enough iron, a key nutrient required for natural energy and a healthy immune system.
“We hope to educate people on the importance of iron for the body.”
