New studies have shown that more people are now exercising which not only is making people happier and healthier but also having a positive impact upon the economy.
3rd June 2025
Two recently published pieces of research have underscored the importance of regular physical activity. One, encouragingly, reveals that more of us than previously are exercising enough, and that this is yielding economic benefits. Meanwhile, another states that the impact of not working out as recommended can be felt by age 36 when combined with excessive drinking and smoking.
In its report, Sport England said that more adults than ever in the UK are working out at recommended government levels, i.e. completing at least 150 minutes of weekly moderate-intensity exercise, which has given our national economy a boost.
The body’s most recent Active Lives report, published this April and covering the year to November 2024, found that nearly two-thirds (63.7%) of adults in England – 30m in all – are following recommended guidelines. Not only is this the highest figure recorded, it has increased by nearly 2.5m over the last 10 years. Meanwhile, numbers of those who do less than 30 minutes of weekly exercise and so are classed as inactive has gone down by almost half a million.
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s chief executive, described the report’s findings as ‘a major milestone which should be celebrated’.
He added: “It also shows that, with careful, targeted investment of our national funding we can increase activity levels, which impacts individuals, is vital for our society and helps to drive economic growth.”
However, the study also reported that some groups remain less likely to be active, including women, ethnic minorities and the economically disadvantaged. It found that two-thirds (66%) of men were active compared to 61% of women, while levels among ethnic minority groups including Chinese, black and Asian people, were all under 60%.
Equally, higher socio-economic groups tended to be more active, at 73%, while only 52% of those in the lowest group exercised in keeping with recommended guidelines.
Sports minister Stephanie Peacock commented: “We want adults from all walks of life to access sport and be active.”
Meanwhile, the second study, from Annals of Medicine, experts from Finland universities, found that the effects of smoking and drinking above the recommended limits, combined with insufficient exercise, could be felt by the time someone reached the age of 36.
The UK guidelines for low-risk drinking advise against regularly drinking more than 14 weekly units of alcohol. This is equivalent to around six pints of average-strength beer or six medium glasses of wine. It's also recommended to spread drinking over at least three days, and to have some drink-free days every week.
The research followed participants for over 30 years and was published in the Annals of Medicine. It tracked 326 people at the ages of 27, 36, 42, 50 and 61, by which point the study numbered 206. It suggests that stopping these behaviours in midlife or early adulthood could avoid decades of ill health.
The negative impacts of smoking, from lung cancer to heart and respiratory issues, are well known. And excessive alcohol and not working out enough are linked to problems including cancer, heart attacks, stroke and premature death.
The study, which looked at mental as well as physical health, revealed that adults felt the impact of poor health choices by as young as 36. Smoking, drinking and physical inactivity (classed as working out less than once a week) were assessed at each age in the study, which found that if someone had all three unhealthy habits at a particular time, their health (mental and physical) was worse than if they did none.
Meanwhile, having all three unhealthy behaviours over the long term was even more clearly linked with below-par health.
At Fresh Air Fitness, market-leading suppliers of outside gym equipment UK-wide, we believe these two pieces of research give grounds for cautious optimism, while underlining the fact that more needs to be done, particularly among people from under-represented groups including some ethnic minorities plus those from lower socio-economic groups.
We’ve previously discussed how physical activity can help to reverse the decline in life expectancy in England. So we’re very aware of the central importance of exercise to all our lives.
If you feel your community would benefit from an inclusive, effective and affordable workout solution, check out what we offer. Outdoor gyms are free at the point of use, easily accessible since they tend to be located in the heart of local communities, and provide a whole-body workout.
We supply schools, parks, housing associations and others with our high-quality outdoor gym equipment, suitable for all levels of fitness and ability.
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