New Report reveals Why Brits are Giving Up on Exercise

A worrying new fitness tracker report has revealed that a growing number of Brits are barely moving, with pain emerging as the leading reason people avoid exercise.

The latest Deep Heat and Deep Freeze fitness tracker report, titled Are We On Track?, maps Britain’s exercise habits and paints a stark picture of declining physical activity.

According to the 2025 findings, almost half of adults aged 45 to 60, around 48 per cent, now do no formal exercise at all.

This marks a sharp rise from 2022, when only 24 per cent in the same age group reported doing no exercise.

Across all ages, a high one in seven adults, roughly 14 per cent, admitted they never exercise.

The report suggests the nation’s relationship with movement is worsening rather than improving.

Pain has been identified as the biggest obstacle preventing people from being active.

Two out of five adults, around 42 per cent, say muscle and joint pain is their main barrier to exercise.

The impact of pain increases significantly with age, highlighting a growing concern for older adults.

Nearly 30 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds say pain sometimes stops them exercising, compared to 57 per cent of those aged 55 to 60.

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo, part of the Deep Heat and Deep Freeze expert hub, says pain is widespread across the population.

She explains that 67 per cent of adults have experienced muscle or joint pain, whether linked to exercise or everyday aches.

The report shows discomfort is not limited to one area of the body.

Around 30 per cent of Brits report pain in their legs, while 28 per cent experience knee pain.

Back discomfort affects 26 per cent of adults, adding to daily mobility challenges.

A quarter of Brits feel pain in their feet, while 24 per cent report muscle and joint pain in their ankles.

Musculoskeletal specialist Clara Kervyn from the Deep Heat and Deep Freeze expert hub says the causes of pain are often unclear.

She notes that 44 per cent of people experience muscle pain for no obvious reason.

The data also reveals that among those who do exercise, 37 per cent run regularly.

While running offers health benefits, Kervyn warns that repeated impact can lead to lower-body aches if not done correctly.

Poor exercise habits may also be contributing to the nation’s discomfort.

Sammy Margo highlights that 27 per cent of respondents do not warm up, while only 37 per cent regularly cool down.

She explains that skipping these essential stages increases the risk of muscle and joint injuries.

Such injuries can stop people exercising for days, weeks, or even months.

Health experts stress that exercise does not need to be extreme to be effective.

The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week for adults.

This can include brisk walking or playing tennis, as well as everyday activities.

Tasks like pushing a lawnmower or vigorous cleaning also count towards the weekly total.

Despite the barriers, the benefits of regular movement are extensive and well-documented.

Personal trainer and CrossFit competitor Elyn Marwick says research consistently highlights exercise as life-enhancing.

She points to a large US study showing inactive adults could add up to 6.8 years to their lifespan by exercising more.

Exercise has also been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease risk by between 48 and 57 per cent.

The risk of type 2 diabetes drops by 16 per cent, with each hour of brisk walking cutting prevalence by 34 per cent.

Exercise is also linked to a lower risk of several cancers.

Research suggests colon cancer risk can be reduced by 70 per cent through regular activity.

Breast cancer risk may fall by 75 per cent, while prostate cancer risk can drop by as much as 65 per cent.

Mental health benefits are equally significant.

Exercise has been shown to reduce dementia risk by up to 20 per cent and depression by 23 per cent. However, pain is not the only factor holding people back.

The report reveals that 39 per cent blame a lack of energy, while 37 per cent cite low motivation as barriers to exercise.

Clara Kervyn says these challenges are common but often misunderstood.

She emphasises that exercise itself plays a key role in improving energy levels and motivation.

Sammy Margo explains that movement increases both the quality and quantity of mitochondria in the body.

These act as power packs within cells, directly influencing energy and respiration.

Exercise also releases endorphins and dopamine, chemicals linked to pleasure, reward and motivation.

As people feel better physically, their desire to stay active often increases naturally.

Regular activity also supports bone health, which is especially important for menopausal women.

Declining oestrogen levels are linked to reduced muscle strength, bone density, and increased visceral fat.

Encouraging movement among middle-aged and older women could deliver meaningful long-term health benefits. Yet for many, pain remains the biggest hurdle.

As Sammy Margo concludes, even the desire to exercise can be overshadowed by discomfort.

She stresses that finding simple and practical ways to manage pain is key to helping more people move again.