British adults spend an average of just 90 minutes being physically active, according to a new study.

The extent of the UK’s inactivity crisis was laid bare on the eve of National Fitness Day (27 September), with non-profit body ukactive calling on the nation to get moving.

A study of 2,004 British adults conducted by ComRes reveals that British adults do not spend enough time doing moderate exercise such as fast walking or riding a bike, with 26 per cent doing 30 minutes or less.

Key findings:

• Just one in 10 adults (12 per cent) know the NHS-recommended physical activity guidelines for 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week.

• 64 per cent spend at least six hours a day sitting, significantly increasing risk of an early death.

• Work is the biggest barrier to being more active, with 20 per cent of people citing ‘being too busy with work’ as a barrier to being more physically active.

• Over 40 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds say Instagram has a positive impact on their motivation to be active.

For National Fitness Day 2017, gym operators and physical activity providers across the UK will offer a range of free taster sessions and gym passes. In addition, the ‘10 at 10’ project, will see children in thousands of schools across the country take part in a 10-minute workout at 10am.

“National Fitness Day offers a chance to stop the rot and help people rediscover the fun of fitness by connecting them with accessible opportunities in their local area," said Steven Ward, CEO of ukactive.

Professor Sir Muir Gray CBE, chief knowledge officer to the NHS, added: “Physical inactivity is society’s silent killer and even short bouts of being sedentary can lead to deadly diseases.”

According to Public Health England, meeting the recommended exercise time each week can lead to a reduced risk of: type-2 diabetes by 40 per cent, cardiovascular disease by 35 per cent, dementia by 30 per cent and some cancers by 20 per cent.

To find out more about National Fitness Day click here