The perfect summer body can be hard to sculpt but with 52 per cent of British over-50s revealing they are overweight, now might be just the time to begin a new workout.
The study, conducted by Saga Health Insurance, showed 40 per cent of people under-50 also thought they were carrying excess pounds.
Some 33 per cent of over-50s admitted they do no exercise at all, with just one in ten managing to workout the recommended five times per week.
That was only slightly above the national average of 29 per cent who revealed they never workout, with a lack of motivation the biggest reason why over-50s are not challenging their bodies.
When it comes to diet, however, older people appear to be more in tune with eating healthily as 32 per cent eat their 'five-a-day', compared to just 17 per cent of under-50s.
Chief executive of Saga Services Roger Ramsden said: "Clearly there is still more to be done to improve healthy lifestyles across the UK.
"Whilst the over-50s tend to get it right with healthy eating, what they appear to need is something to motivate them to exercise."
Ten per cent of older respondents said they are very overweight, compared to six per cent of their younger counterparts.
Some 74 per cent of over-50s who exercise admitted they do it to improve health and fitness, with 45 per cent saying it is to control or lose weight.
Just 23 per cent of older people said they exercise for fun, with the same proportion of under-50s agreeing.
Finding the right sport to suit your body and preferences could go a long way to ensuring you reach that weekly exercise target.
Some 56 per cent of over-50s said walking is their main form of exercise, while 13 per cent prefer swimming and ten per cent pursue cycling.
