News - Physical Activity Facilities

UK fitness sector hits record 12.2 million members

Jenny Patrickson to step down from Active IQ

Cameron Saunders appointed new CEO of ukactive

The newly published The UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2026 reveals that penetration has reached an impressive 18% of the over-16 population, with a record 12.2 million members.

The managing director of awarding body Active IQ, Jenny Patrickson, is to step down to focus on consultancy, advisory and non-executive director roles.

ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, has appointed Cameron Saunders as its new chief executive. He will join the organisation in April, succeeding Huw Edwards, who stepped down after six years in the role.

Global health and fitness leaders are urging governments to make physical activity and nutrition central to the rollout of obesity medications, including GLP-1 therapies.

Record referral attendance for Parkwood Leisure

Parkwood Leisure’s Downham Health & Leisure Centre is seeing record attendance on its Steps to Health exercise referral programme after switching from paper-based processes to a fully digital system, dramatically improving service efficiency and patient outcomes.

New appointments for Balanced Body

Balanced Body® UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of two new sales professionals, Shyam Lakhani and Steven James, as the brand continues to build its presence and support the growing Pilates community across the UK.

David Lloyd Clubs install bleed control kits ahead of Martyn's Law

David Lloyd Clubs, the UK’s leading health and wellness group, has become the first health club group and national leisure operator in the UK to install bleed control kits across all its sites, enhancing public safety ahead of the implementation of Martyn’s Law.

Gen Z leads strength training boom as one in three Brits do none, report warns

Nearly half of UK adults are failing to meet official strength training guidelines, with one in three doing no muscle-strengthening activity at all, according to a major new report that warns of a looming public health crisis.

Burnley’s investment in inclusive Active Hub drives participation and membership

Relaunched as the Active Hub at St Peter’s Leisure Centre, the space has doubled its membership, while usage by people with disabilities has increased by 300%.