UK Active has published new guidance designed to help operators support young people over the age of eight to exercise safely on the gym floor and in group exercise.

Children and Young People in Gym and Group Exercise Facilities has been developed and approved by the trade association’s Standards and Legislation Committee along with legal experts, sector representatives and partners specialising in physical activity for children and young people.

Practical examples and real-life case studies are shared from from operators and suppliers, including Everyone Active, Lifestyle Fitness, Les Mills, Nuffield Health, and Oldham Active, that are designed to help operators establish or refine their strategies for engaging children and young people.

According to a poll of more than 1,000 children aged seven to 14 conducted by Beano Brain on behalf of UK Active, 48 per cent of children say they believe it is “important to keep physically active to be healthy” and 49 per cent say they want to be fit and healthy as they grow into adulthood.

CEO of UK Active, Huw Edwards, says the guidance has been designed to support operators in activating one million more children and young people across the UK by 2030: “The demand and need for gym and fitness activities among children and young people has never been greater, and we know that children value being active in safe, supportive and accessible settings such as leisure centres and gyms.”

UK Active is working with partners across industry on initiatives and programmes that can help drive change for children and young people, including a new partnership with the Greater London Authority to strengthen the connections with schools and fitness and leisure providers.

The full guidance can be downloaded from the UK Active website here.

ENDNOTE

UK Active is currently looking for a new CEO after Edwards’ recent announcement that he will be stepping down in April 2026 following almost 10 years with the organisation.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to serve as ukactive CEO these past six years,” he said. “I’m proud of our achievements and my small part, but the time is right to embrace the next challenge.”