Active Lives Adult Survey

Sport England’s Active Lives Adult Survey measures the sport and physical activity levels of adults aged 16+ across England. Released once a year, the most recent survey looked at the period November 2024 to November 2025 and was released in April 2026.

Follow this link to access the Sport England Active Lives information and resources

At a National Level

Data shows continued progress as focus remains on tackling inequalities and supporting those facing the greatest barriers. 64.6% of adults (30.9 million people) in England achieved the recommended 150+ minutes of physical activity a week. This means that 3.3 million more adults are being active on a regular basis since the survey started in 2016. However, there are still a quarter (24.7%) of adults doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week.

• Growth continues to be driven by older adults aged 55+. Since baseline, the number of older adults aged 55+ who are meeting CMO guidelines has increased from 51% to 59%.
• Whilst the number of people who are disabled or living with a long term health condition has increased from 44% to 49%
• Fitness activities continue to grow, driven by gym use, weights and structured exercise
• Walking remains high, but stable. Swimming and team sports remain consistent.
• Volunteering has slightly increased (+0.5%) in the last year but remains below pre-pandemic levels.
• Active adults report higher wellbeing, including greater happiness, life satisfaction and social connection than inactive adults.

However, inequalities still remain. Women, those from lower socio-economic groups, Black and Asian people are still less likely to be active. When a person has two or more of these characteristics, such as black disabled person or Asian man from LSEG. The results are compounded.

At a Local Level

In Kent and Medway, the results are similar. 63.1% of adults are active and experiencing the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. However, 26% are inactive.

• Tonbridge & Malling saw the greatest increase in active adults.
• Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks most active districts.
• Ashford saw greatest increase in inactive adults.
• Ashford, Maidstone, Medway, Swale and Thanet most inactive districts.

Active Kent & Medway are committed to tackling inactivity and reducing the inequalities in sport and physical activity across the county.

Follow this link to see how we’re tackling inequalities in Kent and Medway

If you would like to explore trends over time, specific activities, audiences and places, please take a look at Sport England’s Active Lives Online Tool.