Physical activity - the key to improving mental health

Huw Edwards CEO ukactive

National Fitness Day, which took place on Wednesday 24 September, is the country’s biggest celebration of how physical activity helps our physical, mental and social wellbeing. Each year, thousands of events take place during the day in gyms, sports clubs, leisure centres, schools, workplaces and community centres, encouraging millions of people to enjoy movement, irrespective of their age, ability or background.

While it is just one day, the most powerful outcome is that it inspires change. It provides an opportunity to showcase the strength and diversity of the sports and physical activity sector, which is making improvements in public health that match many other services.

This year’s National Fitness Day coincided with the publication of the Mental Health in Motion report – a study on the role of physical activity in supporting mental health. The report, taken from ukactive’s quarterly consumer polling, identifies the value that those with mental health conditions place on being active and helping them to avoid sickness and time off from work.

Our data found that 85% of those living with mental health conditions say that the main reason for joining their gym, fitness or leisure facility was to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Furthermore, nearly three quarters (72%) of adults surveyed with a mental health condition say being physically active has helped them to stay well and be less likely to take time off work. However, just 16% of people with a mental health condition surveyed feel able to meet the recommended levels of physical activity (150 minutes a week).

85% of people with mental health conditions join gyms primarily to improve wellbeing

We want this report to be a catalyst for change and for more urgent work between the Government and our industry on the issue of economic inactivity and long-term sickness, especially around mental health – a known priority for the Government. Gyms, pools and leisure centres remain the main drivers of physical activity across the nation, with a record 11.5 million people now members of a health and fitness club, so they can crucially help the Government on this issue.

The big opportunity here is for greater partnership between these facilities and the Government so the sector can help more people stay in work or return back to work. In fact, more than three in five people surveyed in our report (61%) say they would join a gym if it was offered as a benefit or at a discounted rate through their employer.

The Government has a real opportunity to build on its commitments in its 10-Year Health Plan and its Keep Britain Working review and work in partnership with our sector. Doing so will demonstrate that it is serious about supporting all British workers in improving their physical activity levels that can aid their physical and mental wellbeing and help them back to work.