Our New Research Highlights Demand for Inclusive Youth Fitness Spaces

Our latest research into young people’s attitudes towards health and fitness has revealed a strong appetite for more accessible, inclusive and youth-focused fitness environments, alongside a clear opportunity for the education and physical activity sectors to work more closely together. The findings come from Inside the Movement: Insights into Youth Fitness Attitudes, published by Lifestyle Fitness® in partnership with the High Five Group.

Our national survey gathered responses from 1,993 young people aged 12–17 across six UK secondary schools and found:

• 32% currently attend a gym
• 66% want to be more active
• 91% say physical activity is important to them
• Health and fitness received an average importance score of 4.17 out of 5

The findings align with Sport England’s latest Active Lives data, which shows that 49.1% of children and young people in England are now meeting the Chief Medical Officers’ recommendation of at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day — the highest level recorded since the survey began in 2017. However, significant inequalities remain, with girls, young people from less affluent backgrounds and some ethnic minority groups still less likely to be active.

What our research makes clear is that while young people value health and wellbeing, many still face barriers to accessing fitness spaces.

Barriers Go Beyond Cost

Among young people who do not currently attend a gym, the main barriers identified were:

• Lack of time (28%)
• Cost (22%)
• Feeling uncomfortable in gym environments (17%)
• Lack of interest (15%)

Our findings also demonstrate the importance of confidence, community and environment in encouraging participation. Nearly 79% of respondents said they feel more confident exercising with friends or within a supportive setting.

Young People Want Inclusive, Supportive Spaces

The research suggests that young people are looking for more than traditional gym provision. They are seeking environments that feel welcoming, inclusive and supportive of both physical and mental wellbeing.

When asked what would help them feel more comfortable in fitness spaces, respondents prioritised:

• Training with friends (69%)
• Friendly and welcoming staff (52%)
• Quieter areas to work out independently (40%)

There was also strong interest in broader wellbeing support and activity options, including:

• Sports-specific training (48%)
• Nutritional advice (36%)
• Mindfulness sessions (35%)
• Music-based sessions and fitness challenges (25%)

The report also demonstrates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to youth fitness provision. Preferences varied significantly, with some young people favouring open-access facilities, while others preferred youth-only environments or dedicated sessions such as girls-only provision.

A Clear Opportunity for Education and Physical Activity Sectors

We believe these findings reinforce the important role schools, education settings and community fitness operators can play in supporting lifelong healthy habits.

At Lifestyle Fitness, we currently operate 18 education-based fitness clubs across the UK, helping schools and local communities improve access to physical activity opportunities for young people.

James Lawrence, Managing Director at Lifestyle Fitness, said:

“This report makes one thing very clear: young people want to be active, but too many still face barriers that stop them stepping through the gym doors. It’s our responsibility as an industry to remove those barriers, whether that’s cost, confidence or inclusivity. We are committed to creating safe, welcoming and youth-centred environments where every young person can build strength, resilience and lifelong healthy habits.”

Across a number of our education-based clubs, more than 30% of the school’s staff and pupils are members of the onsite gym. We are seeing first-hand the impact that accessible, school-based fitness provision can have on confidence, wellbeing and long-term engagement with physical activity.

We believe embedding accessible fitness opportunities within educational settings can play a significant role in improving both physical and emotional wellbeing outcomes for young people.

By making fitness spaces more affordable, inclusive and age-appropriate, we have an opportunity to help schools become not only places of learning, but foundations for healthier and more active communities.

About the Research

The online survey was conducted during Spring Term 2025 using a whole-class approach across six maintained secondary schools in five UK local authority areas. The sample was geographically diverse, gender-inclusive and socio-economically varied, with 1,993 respondents aged 12–17.

For the full report, click here: Inside the Movement 

For partnership opportunities, contact:

Sam Pearce, Club Development Manager - sam.pearce@lifestylefitness.co.uk