The new survey carried out for the National Lottery Good Causes has revealed that even though 76 percent of Britons do some kind of exercise regularly, only about 8 percent of them admit that they work out for fun!

The survey - which involved over 4,000 people – chiefly revealed that the majority of Britons consider exercise to be a chore; with 37 percent respondents saying that the main reason they exercise is to lose pounds or maintain a healthy weight, and 9 percent of them admitting that a good work out helped relieve stress.

Among the other reasons that 4 percent of the survey respondents gave for work outs was medical advice; while 2 percent said that they did exercise to relieve boredom. In addition, 4 percent respondents said that they mainly exercised to look good --- with unmarried people two times more likely to give this as a reason as compared to married people.

So far as the favourite kinds of exercise were concerned, the survey found that 48 percent people preferred walking; and 23 percent preferred gardening. Gym, cycling, and swimming were the preferred forms of exercise by 12 percent, 10 percent, and 9 percent people respectively.

Noting that “even small amounts of exercise - like a walk in the park - can get you fitter, healthier and you'll enjoy life more,” Sam Murphy, fitness expert and author, said: “Regular physical activity is often seen as a lifestyle choice, but it's essential for safeguarding people's health and wellbeing”!