A NEW study has revealed that we’re a nation of couch potatoes.

But the findings haven’t come as a shock to fitness experts at Huddersfield Town.

Physiotherapists Lee Martin and Adam Hirst said they were not surprised by the findings of the fitness study.

The research, conducted by the health centre and gym group LA Fitness, said 72% of Yorkshire’s population can’t cycle for more than 20 minutes. The study also found that 67% did not know their weight.

Far from being stunned Mr Martin said that in some respects a culture of couch potatoes had evolved.

He said: “The research doesn’t surprise me.

“I think that things have changed remarkably over the last 20 years.

“I’ve got two young daughters of an age that, looking back to when I was their age, you used to go outside and make your own entertainment.

“But nowadays, entertainment is about iPods and Playstations, so a lot of people have become couch potatoes,” Mr Martin added.

The research, commissioned by the chairman of LA Fitness, Fred Turok, also gave a worrying insight into fitness levels for people based all around the country.

National findings concluded that more than half of the UK population can’t touch their toes and 68% struggle to perform sit-ups.

Mr Turok said the alarming levels of fitness would inevitably cause obesity issues.

He added: “Fitness levels in this country are reaching danger levels. Not being able to touch your toes sounds laughable, but it is really a national tragedy.

“Inability to do such an action demonstrates basic flexibility, a lack of which can result in life- threatening circulatory problems and arthritis.”

Mr Turok added: “We need to create a huge change in our society to form healthy basic fitness habits and get people exercising more often.”

Adam Hirst, Huddersfield Town’s assistant physio, also said people needed to make extra efforts to keep active.

He said: “With the Olympics coming up there should be a massive drive, for example, from a local government level, to entice more people to exercise.

“Common diseases such as cancer and diabetes are quite common in western society, so people should take care of their bodies and keep active.”