Maintaining an active and healthy routine can leave a lasting positive impact on our mental and physical well-being. According to a recent report, going on short walks or a 15 to 30 minute workout routine daily can contribute towards reducing stress and anxiety, while increasing our energy levels and overall productivity.

Now with growing demands for a flexible work-life balance, which UK cities are the best for staying active?

Interested, Lifespan Fitness sought to find the UK’s best cities for active living by analysing the estimated number of gyms and leisure centres available* within the area. Alongside providing insights on effective ways to stay active despite busy schedules.

Lifespan Fitness can reveal that London is the UK’s best fitness hotspot, offering locals with over 532 estimated facilities. With its wealth of fitness hubs – from boutiques to community spaces, this city is certainly leading the game for fitness lovers and beginners alike.

Followed by Manchester in second with over 84 estimated workout hubs available for those looking to start their fitness journey and prioritising physical health.

Birmingham is the third best city for fitness lovers, with access to over 54 estimated fitness facilities within its community.

Welsh capital, Cardiff, ranks as the sixth best fitness hotspot, as it boasts an estimated 41 fitness hubs around the area.

Reece Huang, business director at Lifespan Fitness also shares some tips on effective ways to stay active at home or in the office:

“Finding time for fitness can be a challenge when working for long hours. However, integrating regular physical exercises throughout the day is still important to help elevate our mental and physical well-being. A few ways to incorporate fitness into your day include:

• Maximise your breaks. Whether it’s at home or in the office, it is vital to take short breaks away from your desk. Use this time to sneak in an outdoor walk or five minute stretches to break up long periods of sitting, as this can get your blood flowing, and boost energy and productivity levels.
• Invest in good home workout equipment. With a busy schedule, opting for home workout is a great alternative to stay active and exercise in the comfort of your home. Investing in equipment such as a yoga mat and resistance bands, to treadmills or exercise bikes, could be a more cost effective solution than gym memberships.
• Dedicate a “cosy” home workout environment. Inspired by the growing “cosy cardio“trend, setting up the right environment that caters to your needs can make you feel more motivated throughout your workout. Our fitness journey is very personal, so how you optimise the environment can make a positive difference and make working out more enjoyable.