2026 – a year to build on the growing demand

Huw Edwards CEO, ukactive

As the new year begins, so too does the nation’s enthusiasm for starting or renewing its dedication to health and fitness. Our sector now supports over 11.5 million adult members to stay active with services, facilities and programmes widely available across the UK to meet all age groups, abilities, backgrounds and needs. This year, our sector is well positioned to build on the growth that was seen in 2025 and continue to educate consumers and the Government about the important role being active in our facilities can have on individuals’ physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

What impact is our sector having?

With an ageing population, we know the importance being physically active can have on long-term health outcomes and our industry is continuing to meet the demands and support required from this older age group. Older adults’ participation in gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres is growing significantly and recent data from Sport England reveals participation in public leisure has increased for every age group over 45, with the number of visits by over-65s rising by 19%. Given 60% of over 65s have never had a gym membership before, this uptake in later life does indicate a positive shift in priorities for maintaining health and wellbeing and our sector is providing the solution.

Similarly, we know that these increases in older adults’ physical activity levels have benefits which go way beyond their individual wellbeing – it results in the prevention of disease and chronic health conditions which saves the NHS £6.7bn, including 28,000 cases of hip fractures and 65,000 cases of dementia prevented annually. Savings come from a range of activities, such as falls prevention classes and physical activity referral schemes, which can deliver healthcare and encourage lifestyle change.

And it’s not just older adults that are seeing the benefits. Our sector is already welcoming an increasing number of children and young people into its facilities with more than a 12% increase in gym and fitness activities for this age group being seen since 2017, compared to just 2% for traditional sports. This is supported through the provision of co-located services which reduces the barriers to families engaging in physical activity.

Our sector is already welcoming an increasing number of children and young people into its facilities with more than a 12% increase

So, how can this growth continue in 2026? Although the physical activity sector has the potential to save the NHS billions and support millions of people in their health and wellbeing, the Government currently lacks a strong enough grasp on the role our industry can play in driving the preventative agenda, as well as helping to support economic growth.

If it is serious about turbocharging the economy and addressing the worsening health of the nation, it needs to listen to our sector as one of the biggest drivers of physical activity in the country. By ensuring that any future Government policies, initiatives, and campaigns around physical activity are co-developed with us, this Government has a chance to ensure its message lands. This would mean using business expertise and experience to create credible and scalable campaigns, which can be supported through the targeted intervention on policy health issues, including mental health and MSK issues, weight loss and falls prevention.

This month, gyms, pools and leisure centres are all opening their doors to new and returning customers who already know the value our services can provide. If the Government joins us on this journey, 2026 will be an even greater stepping stone to ensure more people can access the gyms, pools and leisure centres that have a tangible impact on their health and happiness. This Government has a chance to see how investing in health and our sector’s services, will lead to a happier, healthier and more economically active population.