(MENAFN- SWNS Digital) More than half of adults aren't doing the recommended amount of exercise – blaming a lack of time and long working hours.

The NHS advises that adults aged up to 64 should do "at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity like brisk walking or cycling, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity like running" every week.

But a study of 2,000 adults found 55 per cent don't do enough exercise to reach this threshold.

With 35 per cent of adults doing no more than 60 minutes of activity a week – less than half the advised time.

While as many as 15 per cent do not exercise at all.

It also emerged the biggest barrier to exercise is time, with 35 per cent claiming they are too busy to fit it in, along with no motivation (32 per cent), and work (28 per cent).

The research was commissioned by Citroën, which has teamed up with 2021 Olympic finalist and current British 5km road champion, Alex Bell and her coach Andrew Henderson.

Henderson is head coach at the Leeds England Athletics Hub, and together with Alex and Citroën created the 'Charge Up In 30 Guide' [], a 30-minute workout which can be done in the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle.

Greg Taylor, managing director for Citroën UK, makers of the new ë-C3 said: "Sometimes life can get in the way of hitting your fitness goals, but it's important that we try to make the time to keep ourselves healthy.

“With a busy schedule, it can be hard to find the time, but sacrificing 30 minutes on the sofa to get up for a walk or a run can make all the difference.”

The study also found the average British adult spends six hours a day sat down and only manages to walk 6,500 steps.

“I'm too tired” was the most common excuse Brits have used to not exercise (35 per cent), along with“it's too hot” (24 per cent) and“it's too cold” (18 per cent).

And one in 20 (six per cent) have even blamed the need to do washing for not being more mobile.

But even if they did have more spare time, 22 per cent would opt to sit down and read a book, while just one in 10 would exercise.

Although 39 per cent of adults feel pressured to exercise – with family (31 per cent) and social media (30 per cent) the biggest triggers.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found 91 per cent of the parents polled actively encourage their children to be more active, with 50 per cent concerned about their level of exercise.

Among the favourite activities for children were running (58 per cent), playing football (53 per cent), and dance (35 per cent).

More than two thirds of parents (67 per cent) said they exercise with their children - but for those that don't, 22 per cent felt it is more enjoyable doing it solo.

Greg Taylor added:“It can be fun to exercise as a family, not only does doing it together teach healthy habits, but it can help you grow familiar interests and bond over something new.

“This guide is aimed at the whole family, offering variations on each exercise.

“Creating a schedule where you set aside time for you and your family to get active can help in developing healthier routines.”

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