We are delighted to celebrate some fantastic news for Manchester. The latest Sport England Active Lives Survey shows that more Manchester adults are moving more than ever before.

A record 76.4% are now achieving at least 30 minutes of activity each week, while 66.3% are meeting the recommended 150 minutes or more.

At the same time, inactivity has fallen to 23.6%, the lowest level since before the pandemic. Manchester is now performing above the national average for active adults, which is a fantastic achievement for our city.

WHY THESE RESULTS MATTER

These results are no accident. They reflect years of partnership, investment and collaboration across Manchester.

Together with our sport, health and physical activity partners, we’ve been working to improve health and wellbeing, promote active lifestyles and support preventative healthcare. The progress we’re seeing today is the result of that shared commitment.

INVESTING IN PLACES & COMMUNITIES

Through Manchester’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, we’ve invested in active neighbourhoods, renewed world-class facilities, strengthened our leisure centres and improved outdoor spaces where people can be active close to home.

We’ve also focused support on communities where inactivity remains highest, helping local clubs, community groups and volunteers create more opportunities for residents to take part.

RECORD PARTICIPATION

More than 4 million visits were made to Manchester’s leisure centres last year, while participation by women and girls reached record levels.

Campaigns such as Walk, Run, Cycle have helped make physical activity more visible, accessible and achievable, encouraging more people to take those first steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Walking remains the activity people do most, while free weekly running continues to grow in popularity, totalling well over 100,000 attendances.

WOMEN & GIRLS

We’re particularly encouraged by the growing number of women and girls getting active across Manchester, 1.2 million participating at our leisure centres, supported by over 200 weekly women‑only sessions. 

Through these targeted investment, inclusive programmes and opportunities designed around local needs, we’re helping remove barriers and creating more welcoming environments.  

ACTIVE TRAVEL

Manchester continues to strengthen its reputation as a city built for active travel. Ranking 34th in the Copenhagenize bicycle-friendly Cities Index and building on our legacy as the first European Capital of Cycling, we’re continuing to champion cycling and walking as part of everyday life.

By making it easier and safer for people to travel actively, we’re helping residents improve their health while supporting a greener city.

THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERS

We are incredibly proud that volunteering remains part of Manchester’s DNA. More residents give their time each week than the Greater Manchester and national averages.

That community spirit helps create opportunities for people to be active, connected and involved, making a real difference in neighbourhoods right across our city.

LOOKING AHEAD

While we celebrate these results, we know there is still more to do. Cost and convenience remain two of the biggest factors affecting whether people can be active.

That’s why we’ll continue investing in free and low-cost opportunities, supporting those facing the greatest barriers and helping more residents enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

These results show that long-term investment is working. Together, we’re helping more people move, feel better and live healthier, happier lives.

Together, we’re inspiring Mancunians to move more.