South West most 'active' region, study finds
68.7% of people take part in 150 minutes or more of exercise a week
New stats have revealed that the South West is England’s most active region.
New data has found that just over six in 10 adults manage 150 minutes of exercise a week – ranking the west country the fittest in the country.
The North East, meanwhile, is the most inactive.
Analysis by Harlow Leisurezone revealed, between November 2022 and November 2023, just over six in 10 adults (29.5 million) achieved 150 plus minutes of activity a week – ranking them the fittest region in the country.
Respondents self-reported their physical activity level, with “Active” equalling 150+ minutes of exercise a week, “Fairly Active” between 30-149 minutes, and “Inactive” less than 30 minutes.
The South East came second with 66.9% of respondents ranking as “Active”, and London third with 65.3%.
Meanwhile, the North East ranked first for “Inactive”, with 31.6% of respondents exercising for less than 30 minutes a week.
The West Midlands came second, and Yorkshire and the Humber third, with 29.7% and 28.8% respectively.
When it comes to local partnerships, Bristol and the West of England led the charge, with 73.6% of respondents ranking “Active”.
While Black Country ranked the most “Inactive” with 37%.
Health and Fitness Manager David Marrington from Harlow Leisurezone, who conducted the research, commented, “It’s great to see people prioritising their health and fitness. Getting fit doesn’t have to mean a strenuous regime, it can be as simple as making consistent choices, like walking instead of driving."'