Last Updated on May 21, 2025 by Niki
EMD UK’s Chief Operating Officer, Shelley Meyern shares her take on the recent research in the latest Active Lives survey
The latest Active Lives Adult Survey, covering the period from mid-November 2023 to mid-November 2024, has revealed some promising trends in the realm of physical activity in England. Conducted by Sport England, the survey provides a detailed look at the sport and physical activity behaviours of adults aged 16 and over. The results highlight a significant increase in fitness activity and exercise class participation, underscoring the growing importance of group exercise in promoting health and well-being.
Key findings from the Active Lives survey
The survey indicates that 63.7% of adults (30 million) are now classified as active, engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. This marks a notable increase from previous years, reflecting a broader societal shift towards more active lifestyles. The proportion of inactive adults has decreased by 0.5%, equating to 121,000 fewer inactive individuals compared to the previous year.
One of the standout trends is the rise in participation in fitness activities and exercise classes. The number of adults engaging in fitness activities has increased by 904,000 (+1.6%) over the past 12 months. This growth is part of a longer-term trend, with over one million more adults participating in fitness activities compared to seven years ago. Exercise classes in particular have seen a significant uptake, with a 1.6% increase in participation.
The Social Value of Group Exercise: EMD UK’s Contribution
- £5.3billion in social value contributed
- £511million saved to the NHS
- Fosters social connection
- Improved mental wellbeing
EMD UK, the national governing body for group exercise, has been at the forefront of promoting the benefits of group exercise. Our recent report, “The Social Value of Group Exercise,” highlights the immense social and economic value that group exercise brings to society. According to the report, group exercise generates over £5.3 billion in social value annually and saves the NHS more than £511 million per year by preventing 26,000 cases of Type II diabetes and reducing the need for 1.6 million GP appointments.
Group exercise is not just about physical health; it also plays a crucial role in fostering social connections and improving mental well-being. The report notes that group exercise is particularly effective in tackling inequalities, with significant participation from women, older adults, and individuals with long-term health conditions. This inclusivity makes group exercise a powerful tool for addressing inactivity and promoting community health.
EMD UK’s Role as a System Partner of Sport England
As a system partner of Sport England, EMD UK plays a pivotal role in supporting the group exercise workforce and promoting the benefits of group exercise. Sport England’s “Uniting the Movement” strategy aims to create a more active nation, and EMD UK’s efforts align closely with this vision. By providing leadership, support, and advocacy for group exercise instructors, EMD UK helps ensure that high-quality group exercise opportunities are available to all [3].
EMD UK’s initiatives include offering support and professional development for instructors, advocating for the inclusion of group exercise in projects and programmes, and working to address the challenges faced by the group exercise workforce. Our commitment to raising standards and supporting instructors is crucial for sustaining the positive impact of group exercise on community health.
The latest Active Lives survey results are a testament to the growing popularity and importance of fitness activities and group exercise in England. We are leading the charge to ensure the social and economic benefits of group exercise are becoming increasingly recognised. As we continue to promote active lifestyles and support the group exercise workforce, we can look forward to healthier, happier communities across the nation.
EMD UK is the only governing body dedicated solely to the group exercise community. Our members benefit from our guidance, CPD-accredited courses and over 250 resources. Pro membership starts from just £51 annually and includes insurance for instructors.
