Improving mental health a key reason for exercise among the long-term ill

Three-quarters (77%) of gym members with a long-term health condition get active to improve their mental health, as well as to improve their strength and fitness.

The figure comes from research carried out by Savanta on behalf of ukactive, which shows that more than half (56%) of all gym users say their membership is important in helping them to follow medical advice and to manage health condition (such as cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, diabetes, respiratory diseases and mental health conditions).

The findings indicate that millions of people are realising the wider benefits of physical activity to prevent, improve and manage a variety of conditions, including anxiety and depression.

For the research, more than 8,000 people were polled across January, April, July and September 2024. Of those with at least one long-term health condition, 80% joined the gym to improve or maintain overall physical strength and fitness.

For those with no long-term health conditions in the sample, motivation for joining a gym to improve mental health and wellbeing was slightly lower in comparison to those with at least one long-term health condition (75% vs 77%). This suggests that those with health conditions recognise the additional value for their mental health and wellbeing too.

The findings come against a backdrop of poor national health, with 2.82 million people out of work due to long-term sickness. ukactive is now calling on the government to capitalise on this demand for greater health support in the community.