More than a quarter of people polled in a survey said school PE lessons put them off exercise and sports ‘for life’.
A significant number of people in mid-life do not exercise because they feel “held back by past sports memories” including challenging PE lessons and feeling self-conscious, a leading charity has said.
A new poll, conducted on behalf of Age UK, found that three in 10 (29%) said they still feel traumatised by school PE lessons.
Some 28% said school PE lessons put them off exercise and sports “for life”.
The poll, conducted by Yonder on 2,385 UK adults aged 50 to 65, also found that found that two in five (40%) still recall being picked last for teams.
And the same number again are haunted by memories of being body conscious during school activity classes.
As a result, the charity has launched a new campaign urging people to take up sports in later life through inclusive classes and activities.
The campaign has been backed by Olympians Dame Kelly Holmes and Sally Gunnell.
Dame Kelly said: “The benefits of sport and exercise are endless.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional athlete competing on a world stage, or a busy parent who has just managed to carve out a few hours for yourself one evening a week to head along to your local netball group.
“It’s about self-care, making new connections, feeling team spirit, supporting mental health, getting outside and feeling strong and capable for as long as possible.
“It might feel like a small thing, or a task that can be shoved to the bottom of a never-ending to-do list, but trust me – it can make a world of difference.”
Gunnell added: “For me, being active has always meant far more to me than medals or podiums.
It’s about feeling strong in your body, clear in your mind and connected to the people around you.
“You don’t have to be an athlete to get moving and it doesn’t have to feel daunting.
“There are so many options out there from local exercise classes, to badminton and bowls, and cricket to pickleball, there has never been a better time to make your next move to step towards a healthier later life, and a small step today can make a real difference to how you feel tomorrow.”
Paul Farmer, chief executive at Age UK, said: “Our research shows that millions of mid-lifers feel held back by past sports memories.
“Challenging PE lessons, worries about judgment and feeling self-conscious, can make physical activity feel out of reach – and can feel like something ‘only young people do’.
“With Act Now, Age Better, and the support of our many sporting partners, our aim is to create inclusive, enjoyable opportunities that genuinely meet people where they are.”
