The program aims to encourage more people to exercise (Credits: PA)

To attract more people to the sport, Decathlon is the first major retailer to offer rental across all UK stores.

The service allows people to try a new sport without the financial commitment of having to invest in all the equipment first.

The cost-of-living crisis has affected participation in sport and fitness across the UK, as new research from Decathlon has revealed that one in four Britons would like to take up a new sport, but the cost of doing so is holding them back.

Products range from bicycles and kayaks to paddle boards and tennis rackets.

Paddleboards and kayaks can be hired from £30 per day, while tennis rackets are £10, with all second day rentals being 50% off.

Take the items with you on a weekend trip or use them occasionally for low-involvement games.

Try a new sport without obligation (Image: PA)

At a time when finances are tough, Decathlon Rentals wants to make the sport more accessible.

Items can be used for a fraction of the cost of ownership – eBikes available through the service, for example, cost £899.99 to buy, but can be rented for £45 per day.

The program includes products worth over £1 million.

Rental cars can be ordered online and picked up from the branch within an hour and canceled up to 24 hours in advance to allow for weather changes.

Rent decathlon

Also save storage space (Photo: PA)

It’s a flexible grid that makes it easy to try out sports and makes it easy to store gear, although space is an issue.

Sharon Poulter, Rental Manager at Decathlon UK said: “Despite a desire to try sport, one of the biggest hurdles people have in getting into something new is the cost of buying equipment.

“Rentals offers customers across the UK the opportunity to meet this challenge by discovering the joy of different activities at an affordable price and in a sustainable way.

“We are proud to be the first company to offer nationwide rentals and this is a positive step forward for sustainable sports retail.”