Important Notice
If you have any long term health conditions, please consult your GP prior to taking part in the following activities.
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 your emotional wellbeing such as
- reducing your risk of major illness
- improved 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.
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
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.
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:
- Bingley Pool and gym
- Bowling Pool and gym
- Eccleshill pool and gym
- Ilkley pool and lido
- Sedbergh pool and sports centre
- Shipley pool and gym
- The leisure centre Keighley
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.
Download the Active 10 app from the App Store
Download the Active 10 app from Google Play
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
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