New data released this week by Sport England has shown that levels of participation in physical activity and sport have remained stable year-on-year in London, mirroring national trends.
The release of the latest data from the national Active Lives survey covers the November 2016 – November 2017 period, and shows that 62.3% of Londoners currently meet recommended activity levels of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week, slightly higher than the 61.8% national average.
While overall activity levels are encouraging, the data clearly shows that there remains significant work to do across London in supporting more regular activity across the population. In not currently meeting recommended activity levels, 37.7% of adult Londoners are failing to experience the full benefits of physical activity, including improved physical and mental wellbeing and, crucially, enjoying the benefits of a more socially integrated London.
Below the city level, certain Boroughs of London have evidenced substantial increases in levels of physical activity. Notably, data for Camden shows a 7.6% decrease in levels of inactivity – the biggest single drop in inactivity levels across London. The Borough, which was recently recognised at the London Sport Awards for its work in using technology to enhance physical activity engagement among young people through its Race to Health project, is among the highest-performing areas of London in its levels of physical activity.
London Sport will continue to analyse and assess participation data to better understand underlying trends contributing to changes in physical activity levels across London, with a clear focus on challenging inactivity throughout the capital.
