Unveiled in line with the 10-year anniversary of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the findings show 45 per cent of adult Londoners and over a quarter of the UK population (27 per cent) are cutting back on exercise due to financial constraints.

Nearly half of Londoners (49 per cent) stated that the rising cost of living is discouraging them from using their local leisure facilities. This is in comparison with one-third (33 per cent) of adults across the UK

The report found that more than half of survey respondents in the capital (52 per cent) agreed that the rising cost of living had limited their ability to afford both sport and leisure equipment.

In all eight of the themes mentioned in the survey - ranging from cutting down on dining out and alcohol, to cancelling gym subscriptions and other costs linked to exercise - Londoners were more likely than the rest of the country to be impacted by the rising cost of living.

The poll also found that two-thirds (66 per cent) of adults living in London agreed that the Games had left a positive legacy on London and its people, with general agreement that the Games had improved the experience of living and working in London, improved our nation’s relationship with sport, and inspired more young people to be more active.

However, people with a household income of £20,000 or less - less than the London Living Wage - did not share these views. Within this income bracket, only four in 10 respondents said the Games had left a positive legacy.

London Sport also asked sports clubs and organisations to respond about the anniversary, with two-thirds believing that the Games left a positive legacy for London and its people.

However, there was some scepticism cited regarding the impact for lower-income groups,

Currently, only 61.4 per cent of adults in England undertake the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity a week, which includes moderate exercise and walking. However, in some London Growth Boroughs including Newham and Waltham Forest, activity levels fall below the national average at 56 per cenet and 58 per cent respectively.

"Physical activity has already taken a big hit from the pandemic and now the cost of living crisis threatens once again to turn the clock back in terms of progress of getting people active to help their health and wellbeing,” said Emily Robinson, CEO of London Sport.

"A decade after London 2012 and one of Team GB’s most successful Summer Olympic and Paralympic medal hauls, it’s disappointing that the anniversary of the Games brings a stark reminder that we need to do more to address the inequality and inactivity gaps within the capital.

“To mitigate some of the challenges that have faced Londoners in recent years, London Sport has distributed £750,000 to over 75 organisations across the capital over the past two years, and will shortly be distributing a further £500,000 through the Together Fund to support projects to increase activity levels amongst young people and less active adults.”