The country may be facing a physical inactivity crisis, but there is at least some cause for cheer(s) for the health and fitness sector: Brits are almost twice as likely to exercise than go the pub.

A Breast Cancer Care survey of 2,005 UK adults showed that two-thirds (65 per cent) are now exercising on a weekly basis, compared to just a third (34 per cent) who head to the pub.

The research also found that men have a greater than average appetite for both pastimes, with 67 per cent of males working out at least once a week and 44 per cent making it down to the pub.

According to the study, fast walking was the most popular form of exercise – being enjoyed by 38 per cent of respondents, followed in second and third place by swimming and cycling.

While 65 per cent of Brits say they are exercising at least once a week, the nation is still falling well short of Public Health England guidelines to carry out 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. Despite this, research has shown that even short bursts of vigorous exercise can have an exponential impact on our health compared to doing nothing.

“Our results clearly show that we are a nation who prefers exercise rather than going to the pub,” said Claire Pulford, head of events at Breast Cancer Care.

“Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, so it’s fantastic news that 65 per cent of Brits are exercising on a weekly basis.”