Staying Active

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.

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, Active 10 and Bradford on Foot

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.

The walks in Bradford on Foot have been selected especially for Bradford 2025 by walking groups, historians, schoolchildren, artists and the people of Bradford District.

There are lots of routes to follow, from country hikes to neighbourhood strolls. Download the walks to your mobile device or pick up free paper copies, tie your laces, then get walking in your own time and at your own pace – or join your fellow ramblers on one of the special guided walks we’re hosting throughout the year.

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 dependent children of adults who have a Bradford Leisure Card. Children under 3 years old do not need a Bradford Leisure Card.
• £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

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.

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