Britons to gear up for holidays with 33 hours of exercise

A total of 33 hours and seven minutes will be spent getting into shape ahead of getaways

The average Briton will start their pre-holiday health kick 53 days before they jet off, a survey has found.

Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults, found a total of 33 hours and seven minutes will be spent getting into shape ahead of their getaway, with a significant seven in 10 intending to shed weight in time for the warmer months – around 4.5kg (10lbs) on average.

Aside from exercise, the most common methods employed quitting takeaways, going teetotal and eating healthier meals.

Peer pressure also has a part to play, with 45 per cent admitting they are motivated to lead a healthier lifestyle ahead of their holiday because their friends and family are doing the same.

"Given the majority of us holiday in July and August, our sales data supports the research findings, suggesting that most of our customers kick start their healthy habits at this time of year as their holiday countdown begins," said Giles Humphries, co-founder of Mindful Chef, which commissioned the research.

The research also found six in 10 have previously tried to get into shape for the summer or a holiday and most of those polled – seven in 10 – were successful.

Forty-five per cent said the hot weather typically prompts them to get fitter and healthier as they want to wear more revealing clothing without feeling self-conscious.

And four in 10 said simply getting their summer clothes out of the wardrobe leads to them wanting to get in shape, while 60 per cent follow a healthier diet in the summer in comparison to the rest of the year.

Half of the population will eat more chilled foods such as salads, 22 per cent will have smaller portions and one fifth will attempt to lower their calorie intake during the summer months.

However, 41 per cent actually find it harder to eat healthily during the summer due to increased social activities such as barbecues and visits to the local pub garden.

Forty-six per cent have attempted a diet at some stage but more than one third admitted they gave up on it after just one month.

The most popular diet was found to be the "traditional" low fat diet, with other favoured diets including the low carb diet and the 5:2 diet.

When it comes to being active, walking is the most effective form of exercise according to those polled - followed by swimming and running.

For expert tips on shaping up for the summer and to see the survey results in full, click here.