Staying Active

Physical Activity

There are many benefits to staying physically active - you can get to know new people, share a new experience and find confidence in learning something new. It is never too late to begin enjoying an active lifestyle. Regular physical activity and sport has also been proven to have a direct positive impact on our physical health and emotional wellbeing such as:

  • reducing the risk of major illness
  • improving self-esteem and mood
  • better quality sleep
  • more energy

Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years) 

Physical activity guidelines for children and young people 

Physical activity guidelines for adults 

Physical activity guidelines during pregnancy and after giving birth

Below are some ideas you might like to consider to help you get active and healthy.

Important Notice

If you have any long term health conditions, please consult your GP prior to taking part in the following activities.

Cycling

Getting on your bike can be a great way to stay active and is a really good option for families to get outside together.        

Before you begin to get back on the bike, we recommend you review the cycling safety advice on the Road Safety website

Bradford council have also put together free district cycling maps

Fitness Classes

Another great way to stay active and in shape is to join a fitness class. There are several different types of fitness classes you can join depending on what you want to achieve. Bradford council has several sports and leisure centres across the district. Here are some of the most popular fitness classes available:

  • Aqua blast
  • Boxercise
  • Circuits
  • HIT classes
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
  • Zumba

To book one of these fitness sessions please use the online Booking system

Exercise at home

If you feel that going to a fitness class is not for you, but still want to stay active, you might like to try some of the virtual fitness services that are available.

This would allow you to take part in an exercise class in the comfort of your own home.

NHS Fitness Studio

The NHS Fitness Studio has a variety of free online fitness classes that you can follow to help you get fit and healthy in the comfort of your own home. The classes range from beginner level to more advanced and include:

  • fun aerobic sessions such as belly dancing
  • strength and resistance
  • Pilates and yoga

Access the NHS Fitness Studio here

Gyms

Going to a gym is another way for you stay active. You can use machines like the treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine to help keep your heart health up and reduce your weight. Or, you can use specific strength machines to help build muscle strength.

In order to make sure that the gym can cater for any specific support needs you may have, you should contact the gym or leisure centre to help you decide which facility you want to attend.

Find a sports centre/prices here

Exercise equipment

Did you know that as well as open space to walk, run and cycle many of our parks have been equipped with free exercise equipment?

You can find more information about our parks, including which ones have fitness equipment here

Swimming

Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy. Bradford has seven pools across the district:

Bradford council operate a timetable that includes various different sessions such as adults only and women only to help make sure all residents are given the opportunity to swim.

Learn to Swim

If you are a beginner or lack confidence in the water, Bradford Council offer swimming lessons for both adult and children. You can find out more by visiting the Bradford Aquatics website.

Walking / Running

Going for a walk or run is a great way to stay active and depending on your need is probably the least expensive.

Free self-guided walks

Bradford Council has a selection of free, self-guided walking routes, some of which are history and nature trails and are great activity for all the family.

For more information see the walks section on the council website

You could also try using the free Active 10 app on your smartphone.

It tells you when you're walking fast enough and suggests ways to fit in some more brisk walking.

     

Park Run

Park run is a free organised run at Lister Park. It’s a 5km run but it’s not about winning the race, the idea is to improve your fitness and run for enjoyment.

The event is held every Saturday from 9.00-11.00am and all ages are welcome. For more information visit the park run website

Did you know?

Bradford leisure cards entitle young people, over 60’s and people on low incomes to reduced admission for a wide range of sports and leisure activities and they are only:

  • £3 per year for adults
  • £1.50 per year for children
  • £6 for 3 years for over 60’s

To check if you qualify for a card and to apply visit Bradford Leisure Card

You can access cheaper leisure facilities by becoming a member of club active. Memberships start at £19.95 for existing Bradford Leisure Card holders and anyone aged 60 and over.

Serving members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and their immediate family (living at the same address) can use our leisure centres and swimming pools for free. This offer is also open to those who have left the forces in the last five years and service personnel living outside the Bradford district.

For more information on which leisure centres and swimming are included in this offer visit the Bradford Council website


BDCT Well together Health Walks

Well together banner graphic

Along with many other activities focussed on staying well, the BDCT Well Together service offer health walks led by trained volunteers.

Walks are organised in nearly all localities in the district, ranging from gentle walks around Wibsey park which are suitable for prams and wheelchair users, through to more challenging 5 mile routes taking in the beautiful views of the Yorkshire Dales.

Here's a short video from Richard Pemberton, one of the walk leaders in Aire and Worth Valley:

 

If you're interested in finding out more about these walks, visit the BDCT Well Together webpage.

Further support for you

Visit the My Living Well physical activity pages for more information and an activity finder

You can also look at our What's On pages for activities happening in the district