Intimidating sports culture is putting millions off working out – as many are feeling alienated by the exercise industry, research has found. A poll of 2,000 adults, who don’t exercise, found 68 percent feel too embarrassed to go to the gym, because they don’t fit the mould of the “typical” gym goer.

More than three-quarters (78 percent) don’t find sports adverts motivating, and 33 percent say such adverts actually put them off working out.

However, 55 percent would be more likely to exercise if they saw everyday people in sports adverts – and 20 percent would be more inspired to do something active, if more realistic expectations were set by the industry.

A further 29 percent say sports brands aren’t relatable to them, and a quarter think exercise culture is intimidating – although 49 percent wish they had more confidence to exercise.

The research was commissioned by ASICS, as part of its “New Personal Best” campaign, which is calling out performance-obsessed exercise culture, in partnership with mental health charity Mind.

Gary Raucher, European vice-president for the sportswear brand, said: “The sports industry has been telling us for years that the only thing that matters is a faster time, a longer distance, a higher score, and more reps.

“Although it’s aimed at motivating people, our research shows it’s having the reverse effect, and instead creates an intimidating culture that’s putting people off exercise – something we’re committed to change.”

As part of the research, survey respondents were shown a series of marketing images from sportswear and athletic brands, and asked to comment on how the pictures made them feel.

Just over one in ten (12 percent) said the images made them feel “inferior”, while 13 percent felt intimidated – and for seven percent, the images even made them feel depressed.

I run purely because it makes me feel good, I don’t worry about my time or being the slowest

Tom Durnin, London Marathon 2023 last-place finisher

It was found 16 percent typically come across these types of images on social media, with 42 percent admitting that seeing boastful exercise posts makes them feel like a failure – even before they’ve started exercising.

Hayley Jarvis, head of physical activity at Mind, added: “For people who don’t exercise, taking that first step can be daunting, especially if they’re also experiencing a mental health problem.

“When you add the pressure of performance, so often seen in sports marketing or on social media, for some it can feel impossible to get started, as they don’t feel like they’re “good enough”.

“Getting active can play a vital role in helping us stay and live well with mental health problems.”

The survey, which was conducted via OnePoll.com, also found 23 percent of non-exercisers feel too embarrassed to start now – and nearly one in five (18 percent) worry people would judge them as they are too unfit.

Over three-quarters (77 percent) admitted they are aware of the mental health benefits of exercise.

However, despite 61 percent saying they have either personally experienced a mental health problem, or know someone who has, it is still not motivation enough to get them moving.

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Mental health activist and TV personality, Dr Alex George, who is supporting the ASICS campaign, said: “As someone who is passionate about the benefits of exercise on mental health, it’s upsetting, but unsurprising, that people feel excluded and alienated by the sports industry.

“I, too, have felt intimidated and insecure after comparing my performance and results to others.

“People need to know that regardless of the type of exercise they do, or the times or distances they achieve, any movement benefits mental health, and is something that should be celebrated.”

The “New Personal Best” campaign features everyday people, and is encouraging them to share their own “personal best” images on social media, using the hashtag #NewPersonalBest, on World Mental Health Day, October 10.

One of these is Tom Durnin, whose inspirational story caught the sports brand’s attention when he finished in last place at the London Marathon 2023.

He said: “For me, it was all about crossing that finish line, no matter how long it took me. I run purely because it makes me feel good, I don’t worry about my time or being the slowest.

“I never thought I’d ever be the face of a sports campaign, but I’m honoured to be partnering with ASICS to encourage more people to move for their mental health.

“If my story can inspire at least one person to take the first step, that’s all I could ask for.”

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