More than a quarter of Brits are fearful of going to the gym because they don’t feel confident enough to use the equipment, according to new research.

Around 26 per cent say they’ve avoided gyms either because they’re unsure how to operate the equipment or are scared that no-one will be on hand to help them. The survey of 2,000 people by Virgin Active also found that concerns about not having the right kit and feeling like the only new person in the class are also gym turn offs.

The findings help to shed light on the barriers holding back potential gym members. Although the number of adults who are members of gyms has been slowly increasing in recent years, nearly 87 per cent of the UK’s adult population are still not signed up to a club.

One of the biggest drivers of membership growth has been budget gyms, which have enjoyed rapid growth since the recession. However, the business model relies on minimal staffing levels for its low cost proposition, meaning it could be tough for budget gyms to address some of the concerns raised in the survey – such as the fear of not having staff on hand to help.

Among the things surveyed Britons said they would like to see in gym, 33 per cent want hints and tips on how to get the most out of exercising and using the equipment. Around 60 per cent want to discover new ways to exercise, while of the regular gym goers surveyed, 20 per cent are interested in re-educating themselves to help them discover new classes and routines.

Virgin Active says the findings have helped it to create a new “Get to Grips” programme based on bookable education sessions, designed to give people a taster of multiple exercise routines.

“We appreciate that first time members might feel intimidated getting familiar with all the classes and facilities in our clubs,” said Virgin Active head of fitness Andy Birch.

“It’s even true for people who have been members for a while, but fancy having a go at something completely different. These ‘Get to Grips’ classes seek to tackle those fears head-on.”