According to new research, over a third (37%) of people living in the North West intend to use a health and fitness app to help reach their 2026 fitness goals.

Almost half say the main benefit is the motivation it provides, with 43% citing reminders, progress tracking and goal tools as key to helping them stay on track.

Commissioned by social enterprise GLL, which runs Better leisure centres in Cumbria, the research accompanies the launch of a new Live Better app. 2000 people were surveyed nationwide, with over four in ten people in the North West (43%) saying they want to get fitter and improve their overall health this coming year, and 33% who aim to reduce stress and improve their mental health.

Apps are increasingly seen as a way of supporting both goals, particularly as they can combine physical activity with progress tracking and wellbeing features.

Top reasons for using them include diet or nutrition tracking (16%), mental health mindfulness (19%) and sleep monitoring (14%).
Digital fitness tools are also helping people overcome barriers that stop them exercising in traditional settings. For instance, 29% of North West respondents say they sometimes prefer to exercise at home for reasons of convenience or privacy.

At the same time, 30% say they would be prevented from going to a gym or leisure centre if they felt uncomfortable or intimidated and 19% feel an unpredictable or overly busy work schedule can stop them from going to a gym or leisure centre altogether.

When asked what matters most in supporting their fitness routines, privacy and being able to exercise without feeling judged or watched is the top priority (26%). Cost is most important for 22%, while short workouts that can be fitted into busy days between meetings is a consideration for 19% of those surveyed in the North West.

These needs align closely with the benefits people associate with fitness apps – with 43% saying apps allow them to work out whenever it suits them, 28% believe apps help them stay active when they do not want to exercise around other people and 25% say using apps mean they do not have to travel anywhere or attend a gym.

Taken together, the findings suggest that as people set fitness goals for 2026, health and fitness apps are well placed to play a central role.

By combining motivation, flexibility, privacy and accessibility, the new Live Better platform is designed to help people find realistic ways to stay active and support their overall wellbeing. Live Better provides wellness support; on demand fitness classes and content; a digital health coach offering habit tracking and behaviour change support around issues such as nutrition, physical activity and sleep; and discounts from a range of brands and high street retailers.

The app is free to existing Better members. The Live Better app costs £9.50 per month for non-members which means they become a digital Better member with access to classes, health and wellbeing support without having to visit a leisure centre or gym.

For more information, visit https://www.better.org.uk/memberships/live-better