Over half of adults think they were more active as kids than today’s generation but just two in five kids think their parents are fit and healthy

Kids and grown-ups have sounded the alarm bell on each other’s fitness levels – as all generations get moving together on National Fitness Day to recognise the value of being physically active throughout our lives.
A survey* of 2,071 people, commissioned by ukactive and conducted by Savanta, found more than half of UK adults (56%) think the youth of today are less active now than when they were children. The figure rises to 73% for 55- to 74-year-olds and 75% for those aged 75 or over.
The findings revealed that almost three in five adults (57%) are increasingly concerned that the health and physical activity levels of young people are deteriorating.
In a separate poll** from ukactive and kids’ insight agency, Beano Brain, just 37% of children agreed their parents are ‘fit and healthy’, suggesting that adults need to take a look at their own activity levels and the example they set.
The findings come as the nation celebrates the theme for National Fitness Day 2024, ‘Your Health is for Life’, which highlights the importance of lifelong health and physical activity, no matter what your age, background or ability.
As part of the campaign, thousands of free activities are taking place across the UK today at gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres, sports clubs, schools and workplaces, as well as online, to encourage more people to get moving.
Among the celebrations, Paralympic Gold medallist Maisie Summers-Newton and Olympic weightlifter Emily Campbell are visiting the London Aquatics Centre, where people of all ages, including children and parents, will be taking part in a ‘rejuvenate’ exercise class and a fun diving session.
Maisie and Emily will be celebrating the importance of physical activity and spreading the message that physical activity and sport is for everybody.
While the campaign helps celebrate and recognise the fun of being active and the benefits for our physical and mental health, the challenges facing the UK represent a more serious health warning.
ukactive’s survey of adults found that over half of respondents (51%) believe the NHS cannot survive the next 10 years if current levels of physical inactivity and unhealthy lifestyles among children continue to grow and increase burden on the health system.
More positively, the survey of children (aged 7 to 14) showed strong awareness of the benefits of an active lifestyle, with almost half (48%) stating that it is important to keep physically active in order to be healthy.
Physical activity can help to prevent more than 20 chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, many types of cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, depression, anxiety, and dementia – generating more than £5.2bn in healthcare savings a year.
National guidelines from the Chief Medical Officer recommend children undertake an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity a day across the week, and for adults, 150 minutes a week.
Maisie Summers-Newton, who has just passed her primary school teacher qualification, said: “It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your ability, physical activity is such an important thing for everyone to be able to enjoy and benefit from.
“I was inspired to be an athlete by watching the stars at London 2012 but more than my gold medals, it’s the enjoyment and the way being active makes me feel that is important to me.
“National Fitness Day is a great time to get started, try something new or get back to being more active in a way that you enjoy.”
Emily Campbell said: “National Fitness Day is our chance to shine a light on the importance of physical activity, as well as our nation’s brilliant gyms, pools and leisure centres that support people every day to be active in whatever way works for them.
“For me, it’s all about celebrating movement and I know how important it is for people to take that first step so they can find what they enjoy and create that habit for a healthy life.
“My message is to forget the stereotypes, you are stronger than you think so get involved today and try something new for your own happiness and health.”
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “More people are recognising the incredible physical and mental benefits of being active throughout their lives.
“These findings show that there is a real difference in how children view their parent’s health and vice versa, suggesting that more must be done to encourage people of all ages to maintain an active lifestyle.
“We’re on a mission to make the UK the most active nation in Europe due to the endless health, social and economic benefits that this can bring, so we’re encouraging everyone to celebrate National Fitness Day today and get involved in taking the first step in leading a healthier, happier life.”
Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock MP, said: “Health and wellbeing are critical to building a fit and happy nation and these new findings from ukactive highlight some challenging perceptions about fitness levels across society.
“We are committed to giving people every opportunity to lead healthy and active lives so whatever your age or physical ability, National Fitness Day is the perfect time to get moving and feel the full benefits of an active lifestyle.”

To find out more about National Fitness Day and how to get involved, visit www.nationalfitnessday.com