Too Busy For Regular Exercise?
Most women in Britain say they exercise less than three times a week for 30 minutes or more, and a quarter (26%) say they never do any exercise at all according to new survey results from the MORI Social Research Institute.
Most women in Britain say they exercise less than three times a week for 30 minutes or more, and a quarter (26%) say they never do any exercise at all according to new survey results from the MORI Social Research Institute.
The survey, commissioned by Cancer Research UK's Race for Life and Tesco, reveals that only one in five women (20%) meet the government recommendation of exercising five times a week for more for 30 minutes.
The survey also shows nearly two in five of women (39%) say a lack of time stops them from exercising more often, and almost a fifth (18%) admit they do not exercise as much as they felt they should due to a lack of motivation.
Technical details
The MORI survey comprised a representative quota sample of 1,142 women aged 15+ across Great Britain. Interviews were carried out face-to-face, in-home in 201 sampling points between 6 and 10 February 2003. Data have been weighted to the known national profile of Great Britain. The overall sample of 1,142 women is accurate to within +/- 3 per cent (95 times in 100).
For further statistical information about the MORI survey please contact either Michele Corrado or Briony Rayfield at MORI on 020-7345 3000
Topline Results
- 1,142 interviews conducted with women aged 15+
- Conducted on the MORI Face-to-face Omnibus using CAPI
- Fieldwork conducted between 6-10 February 2003
- Data weighted to the known profile of the British population
- An asterisk ('*') indicates a percentage less than 0.5%, but greater than zero. Where figures do not add up to 100%, this is due to computer rounding or multiple answers
- Base 'All' unless otherwise indicated. Base sizes are unweighted
Q1 How often on average, if at all, do you usually do moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes? By 'moderate' I mean so that your heart beats faster than usual. For example this could be brisk walking or cycling for 30 minutes.
| 160 | % |
|---|---|
| Five times a week or more | 20 |
| Three to four times a week | 18 |
| Once or twice a week | 25 |
| Less than once a week | 11 |
| Never | 26 |
| Don't know | 0 |
Q2 What, if anything, stops you from exercising as much as you think you should?
| 160 | % |
|---|---|
| Lack of time | 39 |
| I don't have the time because of work | 16 |
| Lack of time (general/unspecified) | 12 |
| Lack of time due to other commitments/responsibilities | 10 |
| I don't have the time because of childcare | 9 |
| Facilities | 3 |
| Leisure facilities cost too much | 2 |
| Leisure facilities are located too far away | 1 |
| The range of leisure facilities is poor | 1 |
| There is no public transport to leisure facilities | 0 |
| Lack of motivation | 18 |
| I'm too lazy | 12 |
| I don't have the motivation/lack the self discipline | 5 |
| Don't want to/Don't enjoy it | 3 |
| General | 160 |
| Physical difficulties/illness/disability | 18 |
| Feel too old | 5 |
| I don't have anyone to go with | 1 |
| Embarrassment/shyness | 0 |
| Other | 7 |
| Nothing, I feel I already do enough exercise | 21 |
| Don't know | 2 |
Q3 Which one of these, if any, do you regard as the main benefit of exercise to you personally?
| 160 | % |
|---|---|
| Keeping fit/healthy | 55 |
| Losing weight | 13 |
| Keeping my figure in good shape | 6 |
| Meeting people/social activities | 3 |
| Helping me deal with stress | 5 |
| Getting out of the house | 10 |
| None of these | 5 |
| Don't know | 2 |
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