Website of the UK government

Improving your fitness

By spending 30 minutes a day on physical exercise, you will feel the benefits very quickly because exercise helps to:

If you keep up your exercise routine over a long period then your risk of some health problems is reduced, for example, heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and many other conditions.

• Keeping fit (young people section)
• Staying physically active (over 50s section)
• Fitness advice on NHS Choices Opens new window

Gyms and sports facilities

You can search for a wide range of sports and fitness facilities on NHS Choices or the Active Places website. You can find your nearest facilities by postcode or place name, browse an interactive map, or enter the name of a specific facility to find out more about it.

Leisure centres also offer a range of sports, including squash, tennis, keep fit classes and swimming. You can find your nearest leisure centre by contacting your local council. Your council should also be able to give you details of local sports clubs.

• Find your local sports and fitness facilities on NHS Choices Opens new window
• Search for a gym or sports facility on Active Places Opens new window
• Find out about sports clubs Opens new window
• Find out about sports facilities Opens new window
• Book a sports facility Opens new window

Leisure passes

Some local councils provide leisure passes so residents can enjoy facilities at a discounted rate. For more information contact your local council.

• Find out about leisure passes Opens new window
• Apply for a leisure pass Opens new window