UK’s 10 fittest cities: Is your hometown the most active?

From the streets of London, to the hills of Scotland, the United Kingdom is on the move - quite literally. In a world that increasingly values wellbeing, it's no surprise that fitness has become a way of life for many Brits, whether they are building a home gym or heading to commercial spaces. But, which fittest cities across the UK truly stand out?

Nowadays, when health is wealth and sweat is the new currency, location matters more than you think. On the quest for peak fitness, some cities in the UK are leading the charge, offering a landscape where gyms, sports clubs and wellness centres flourish, while others are getting left behind.

Fit nation

This week, Lifespan Fitness revealed that London takes the title of the UK's best fitness hotspot. Offering a staggering 532 estimated fitness facilities, the capital city certainly sets the bar high for the fittest cities.

In second place is Manchester, boasting 84 workout centres. This makes it an ideal choice for those embarking on their fitness journey and prioritising their physical well-being.

Birmingham secures the third position, with a commendable 54 fitness facilities within its community.

If you're wondering where the other nations rank among the fittest cities, the Welsh capital, Cardiff earns the sixth position on the list, with 41 fitness hubs scattered across the area. While Glasgow is in joint seventh place, with 40 exercise facilities.

From state-of-the-art gyms to charming local studios, here's the full list of the 10 cities that are taking fitness to the next level, making health and wellness a top priority. Please note, the number of fitness facilities is estimated by Lifespan Fitness.

Fitness for busy lives

Lifespan Fitness' Business Director, Reece Huang also shared his tips for staying 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."

No gym? No problem

As we've explored the top 10 fittest cities in the UK with an abundance of fitness facilities, it's evident that people across the country are actively prioritising exercise.

These cities not only offer an impressive array of gyms, studios, and recreational spaces. But, they also foster communities of like-minded individuals dedicated to living healthier lives.

So, whether you reside in one of the fittest cities or not, remember that the path to a healthier you is never too far away. It's a journey you can embark on wherever you are, at home or at the gym, and these 10 fittest cities are proof that the road to better health is truly thriving across the United Kingdom.

Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness writer for What's The Best. When she’s not travelling or writing, Gemma loves spending her weekend completing home workouts. Or, attending yoga, Pilates or Zumba classes.

Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.