Sport England said this is the highest activity level on record
According to new figures from Sport England, there is a record number of adults playing sport and taking part in physical activity
The latest Active Lives Adult Survey shows that 63.7% of adults met official guidelines for physical activity between November 2023 and November 2024.
That equates to 30 million people doing at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week – a rise of more than 2.4 million since 2016.
The number of inactive adults, those doing less than 30 minutes of activity per week, has also fallen by 121,000 over the past year.
Sport England said this is the highest activity level on record and reflects significant progress following the Covid-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson said it was a “testament to the hard work of many organisations across the sport and physical activity sector”.
The survey explores how age, sex, ethnicity, income level, disability, and geography influence whether people stay active.
Since tracking began, there has been a rise in the number of older adults staying active.
In 2016, 51% of adults over 55 were meeting the recommended levels.
That figure has now increased to 58%, equivalent to an extra 2.5 million people.
Activity levels have also risen among disabled adults and those living with long-term health conditions.
The number meeting the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines has gone up from 44% to 48%, an increase of around 470,000 people.
Despite these gains, the report says deep inequalities still remain.
Women, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and Black and Asian communities are still less likely to be active. Outcomes are worse when these characteristics overlap.
Sport England’s long-term strategy, Uniting the Movement, is focused on closing these gaps and ensuring more equal access to physical activity.
Stephanie Peacock, Sports Minister, said: “We want adults from all walks of life to be able to access sport and get active.
“Today’s data shows that we need to do more.”
“This government will place tackling inactivity at the heart of our preventative health agenda, and we will work to empower local communities to have the facilities, resources and support they need so that everyone can lead a healthy and active life.”
Sport England CEO Tim Hollingsworth said:
“At a time of real social and economic challenge. The fact that we have record numbers of people now playing sport and taking part in physical activity is a major milestone that should be celebrated.
“This achievement is down to so much work from so many people and organisations, from across the sport and physical activity sector in England.”
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