After New York, the fashion world descends on London from Friday, showcasing big names such as Burberry but also the work of young designers who could...

Intimidating sports culture is putting millions off working out – as many are feeling alienated by the exercise industry. A poll of 2,000 adults who don’t exercise found 68 per cent feel too embarrassed to go to the gym because they don’t fit the mould of the “typical” gym goer. More than three-quarters (78 per cent) don’t find sports adverts motivating and 33 per cent say adverts actually put them off working out. However, 55 per cent would be more likely to exercise if they saw everyday people in sports adverts. And 20 per cent would be more inspired to do something active if there were more realistic expectations set by the industry. A further 29 per cent say sports brands aren’t relatable to them, and a quarter think exercise culture is intimidating. While 49 per cent wish they had more confidence to exercise. The research was commissioned by ASICS as part of its ‘New Personal Best’ campaign, which is calling out performance-obsessed exercise culture in partnership with mental health charity Mind. Gary Raucher, European vice president for the sportswear brand, said: “The sports industry has been telling us for years that the only thing that matters is a faster time, a longer distance, a higher score, and more reps. “Although it’s aimed at motivating people, our research shows it’s having the reverse effect and instead creates an intimidating culture that’s putting people off exercise – something we’re committed to change.” As part of the research, survey respondents were shown a series of marketing images from sportswear and athletic brands and asked to comment on how the pictures made them feel. Just over one in 10 (12 per cent) said the images made them feel ‘inferior’, 13 per cent felt intimidated and for seven per cent, the images even made them feel depressed. It was found 16 per cent typically come across these types of images on social media, with 42 per cent admitting seeing boastful exercise posts makes them feel like a failure – even before they’ve started exercising. Hayley Jarvis, head of physical activity at Mind, added: “For people who don’t exercise, taking that first step can be daunting, especially if they’re also experiencing a mental health problem. “When you add the pressure of performance so often seen in sports marketing or on social media, for some it can feel impossible to get started as they don’t feel like they’re ‘good enough’. “Getting active can play a vital role in helping us stay and live well with mental health problems.” The survey, which was conducted via OnePoll.com, also found 23 per cent of non-exercisers feel too embarrassed to start now, and nearly one in five (18 per cent) worry people would judge them as they are too unfit. Over three quarters (77 per cent) admitted they are aware of the mental health benefits of exercise. But despite 61 per cent saying they have either personally experienced a mental health problem or know someone who has, it is still not motivation enough to get them moving. Mental health activist and TV personality Dr Alex George, who is supporting the ASICS campaign, said: “As someone who is passionate about the benefits of exercise on mental health, it’s upsetting but unsurprising that people feel excluded and alienated by the sports industry. “I too have felt intimidated and insecure after comparing my performance and results to others. “People need to know that regardless of the type of exercise they do, or the times or distances they achieve, any movement benefits mental health and is something that should be celebrated.” The ‘New Personal Best’ campaign features everyday people and is encouraging them to share their own ‘personal best’ images on social media using the hashtag #NewPersonalBest on World Mental Health Day, 10th October. One of which is Tom Durnin, whose inspirational story caught the sports brand’s attention when he finished in last place at the London Marathon 2023. He said: “For me, it was all about crossing that finish line no matter how long it took me. I run purely because it makes me feel good, I don’t worry about my time or being the slowest. “I never thought I’d ever be the face of a sports campaign but I’m honoured to be partnering with ASICS to encourage more people to move for their mental health. “If my story can inspire at least one person to take the first step that’s all I could ask for.” Read More Brits reveal advice they would give their younger selves - including investing in property Girls in UK have much lower confidence than male peers, study finds Average person completes 90 online tasks a day Israel-Hamas conflict: How to talk to teenagers about distressing news stories How to get rid of bedbugs: Signs and symptoms amid threat of UK invasion How to support someone coming out in their 30s and beyond

Laptops are fine for mobility, but there's still nothing like the power of a reliable

Kanye took 'wife' BIanca Censori for ice cream as the latest season of 'The Kardashian' premiered

By Helen Reid Shoppers are snapping up Barbie hoop earrings, perfume, jumpsuits, and dresses as retailers seek to

Two newborn pumas and a convalescing porcupine share a room in the home of the Zapata family, which has renounced livestock farming to focus on stewardship of the Colombian Amazon...

Merriam-Webster's word of the year for 2023 is “authentic.”

Russia has tightened its hold on the world’s wheat supplies following its invasion of Ukraine, bolstering the Kremlin’s

People often share updates about their dating lives on social media, and one woman who went back to her date's house, couldn't believe what she saw. In fact, the scene in front of her left her warning to "fake a family emergency" as an excuse to leave. Jordan McNally (@missmcnallyyy) posted a TikTok where she looked concerned as she explained to viewers what was going on. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter "I just got to his house and I'm in his bathroom, what the f*** is this?!!" she then proceeded to flip the camera around to show a large number of Herbal Essences bottles sitting on a wooden shower stool inside the shower. "SEVENTEEN!!" she exclaimed in text after counting up the bottles. "I'm about to fake a family emergency and dip," she added also using red flag emojis. @missmcnallyyy What does it mean?!?!? #herbalessences #sponsorhim #redflag Since sharing her bizarre discovery, Jordan's video has received a whopping 10m views, 1.3m likes, and over 15,000 comments from people who were just as baffled at why the guy had so many bottles, though some did also provide a possible explanation for the large quantities. One person wrote: "Can we get an update?? Cause I cannot come to a reasonable conclusion and I need answers." "Run, there is no logical explanation, no pro could outweigh this con," another person said. A third person added: "My dad does this and can confirm he went to Costco and got a stellar deal." "Uh uh idky [I don't know why] but that would send CHILLS down my spine like no I’m leaving," a fourth person commented. Someone else replied: "Maybe his mom extreme coupons." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Lewis Hamilton and Co will this week descend on Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. Here, the PA news agency looks at five key races staged at the Northamptonshire venue. 1987 Nigel Mansell was forced to pit for a new set of tyres after reporting vibrations on his Williams. With 30 laps remaining he was the best part of half-a-minute behind his team-mate and fierce rival Nelson Piquet. The chase appeared impossible but, spurred on by his home crowd, Mansell smashed the lap record on nine occasions before catching and passing Piquet after an exquisite move at Stowe with only two laps left. The home crowd were euphoric and Mansell responded by leaping out of his Williams and kissing the tarmac. 1994 Michael Schumacher illegally overtook pole-sitter Damon Hill on the parade lap and was punished with a stop-and-go penalty – which he ignored. He was issued with a black flag – which should have resulted in his instant disqualification – but Schumacher kept driving before serving his stop-and-go punishment on lap 27. Hill went on to claim a crucial victory and was presented the winner’s trophy by Princess Diana. Schumacher finished second, but he was later disqualified and banned for two races. 1998 Schumacher was at the centre of controversy four years later after winning – while stationary in the pit-lane. Mika Hakkinen led from the start, but as the rain fell and conditions deteriorated, the Finn lost control of his McLaren and spun. The safety car was deployed, and while Hakkinen remained in the race, he had sustained damage to his front wing. His 40-second lead was wiped out and Schumacher looked odds-on to win. However, Schumacher had illegally passed Alexander Wurz under a yellow flag, which resulted in a stop-and-go penalty. But the haphazard stewards only announced his punishment with two laps left. At the end of the final lap, Schumacher entered the pits to serve his penalty, but had already crossed the start-finish line and won the race. The bizarre result stood despite McLaren’s protests. 2008 Lewis Hamilton arrived at his home race fourth in the drivers’ standings but left on top after storming to victory in one of his outstanding performances. In torrential rain, Hamilton blitzed the field, finishing the race almost 70 seconds ahead of second-placed Nick Heidfeld and lapped the entire pack up to third. Hamilton’s championship rival Felipe Massa spun five times. 2021 Hamilton sent Max Verstappen into the wall at Copse following a devastating 180mph collision. Verstappen was taken to hospital with concussion, while Hamilton was hit with a 10-second penalty. Hamilton served his punishment and fought back through the field, passing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the final laps to take a remarkable, if not controversial, victory. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live David Coulthard looks at the key issues surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s next deal Phenomenal circuit and incredible atmosphere – Mark Webber remembers Silverstone It hurts – Lando Norris reflects on his ‘toughest season’ ahead of British GP

Mercedes-Benz Group AG unveiled an electric vehicle with a longer range than any Tesla Inc. model on the

I’m a snob about two things in life: sushi and linens. The first one is…self-explanatory, but my penchant for luxurious towels and sheets is rooted in my belief in everyday luxuries: When you spend a non-insignificant portion of your life either asleep or showering, it’s an understatement to say that those small things add up. And then there are the rarer moments in life, like a tropical vacation, where treating yourself is not the exception, but the rule. Fortunately, when it comes to both beach and bedding, Peacock Alley has you covered.