Seventy two per cent of people with mental health conditions say being physically active has helped them to stay well, according to a report by UK Active.

Sponsored by Alliance Leisure, Mental Health in Motion reveals the experiences of people living with mental health conditions. Polling of more than 2,000 people was carried out every three months from January 2024 to July 2025, with up to 14,618 being surveyed in total.

The prevalence of mental health problems among those who had joined a gym reduced as length of membership increased. For example, those who had held a membership for more than three years (13 per cent) reported a lower prevalence than those who had been a member between three and six months (21 per cent).

Sixteen per cent of people with mental health conditions meet the Chief Medical Officers’ recommended activity levels of 150 minutes a week, compared with 23 per cent of those without a health condition.

With the UK’s mental health crisis costing the economy £103 billion a year, Huw Edwards, CEO of UK Active, has called for the government to work with the fitness industry. “The findings show just how powerful physical activity is for those with mental health conditions and many say that exercise helps them manage their condition and stay in work.

“Simple steps, like offering discounted memberships in partnership with employers, can make physical activity feel like an everyday essential, not a luxury. That way, we can boost activity levels and help build a healthier, more economically involved population.”