Britons' hobbies tend to be short-lived and costly, study claims
Average Briton allegedly has three hobbies on the go
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Your support makes all the difference.Most hobbies undertaken in Britain last no longer than 16 months, a study has claimed.
Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults identified work commitments, busy family life and a lack of motivation as reasons why new-found interests fail to last beyond that point.
The study found a quarter of respondents tended to splash out hundreds of pounds on hobbies, which include cycling and learning musical instruments, only to give up on them shortly afterwards.
In fact, 25 per cent admitted axing their new pursuit despite never having used any of the items or accessories they purchased for it.
The study was commissioned by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which has a series of charity bike rides planned for 2019.
It found British people will spend an average of £306.64 on cycling during adult years.
A spokesperson for BHF said: “Modern life is incredibly busy and sadly, fun things like our hobbies are one of the first things to be dropped when we’re pushed for time.
“People took their hobbies up for a reason, whether to de-stress or socialise more, so it’s important we make time to rekindle our passion for our hobbies or try new ones.
“Having a goal to work towards, such as signing up to one of the British Heart Foundation’s bike rides, is the perfect way to give people the motivation they need to keep up their hobbies.
“And they can take part safe in the knowledge they’re helping to raise money for the charity’s life saving research at the same time whilst doing something they enjoy.”
The research found the average Briton currently has three hobbies on the go.
It revealed Britons dedicate 245 hours a year to hobbies – that's more than 10 days over a 12-month period.
Having some form of escape, keeping the mind sharp and alleviating boredom are the most common reasons for taking up a hobby.
Further to this, seven in 10 adults agree it’s ‘really important’ to engage in activities outside of normal life, and one of the most popular in the UK is cycling.
In fact four in 10 Brits own a bike yet a majority (three-quarters) of them do not ride it anywhere near as much as they would like to.
The BHF research, carried out through OnePoll, found the typical UK adult has not ridden a bike in almost seven years.
A fifth revealed they do not cycle as frequently, mostly because they believe they do not meet the fitness levels, and one in 10 said they have no reason to cycle or a goal to aim towards.
Other obstacles include being too busy and not having anyone to cycle with.
A spokesperson for the BHF added: “As the old adage goes, you never forget how to ride a bike.
“We’re encouraging all those lapsed cyclists and people who said they’d like to ride more to dust off their bikes and sign up to one of the British Heart Foundation’s bike rides.
“By getting involved you’ll be helping to fund lifesaving research for the seven million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases.
“In varying distances and regions, there’s a ride to suit everyone.”
More information about the BHF’s charity bike rides can be found here.
What the average Briton has spent on hobbies
DIY - £797.82
Gardening - £739.88
Reading - £658.94
Cooking - £627.59
Gym - £439.51
Football (watching and playing) - £427.14
Crafts - £353.55
Video gaming - £332.16
Golf - £319.04
Cycling - £306.64
Playing an instrument - £261.09
Sewing - £246.93
Skiing/snowboarding - £242.28
Knitting - £242.12
Fishing - £176.40
Rugby (watching and playing) - £175.04
Running - £145.06
Painting - £142.63
Swimming - £190.58
Tennis - £156.16
Badminton - £137.13
Yoga - £132.69
Boardgaming - £118.11
Walking - £201.09
SWNS
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