Manchester residents are the keenest in the UK when it comes to searching for gyms to join – but the city still isn’t one of the best for a healthy lifestyle, according to new research.
As the new year begins, so too does the ‘January gym rush’ – the period of heartfelt resolutions to get fit and stay fit for the rest of the year which, with the weather what it is, often means hunting for a gym.
And according to Comparethemarket’s analysis of Google searches, Manchester residents are the most likely to be searching for gyms and gym memberships online, with 21 Google searches per 1,000 residents – a total of 10,570 a month – beating the likes of Liverpool (15.1), Birmingham (14.5) and London (13.2).
Manchester is followed by Cambridge and Bristol, where 20 searches per 1,000 residents are made monthly.
But the study found that Edinburgh is the city most supportive of a healthy lifestyle, with Manchester and Birmingham dropping out of the top ten altogether.
The rankings were compiled by looking at factors including the quality of green spaces and parks, online searches for gym memberships, and the number of healthy restaurants and outdoor activities that can be enjoyed.
With 105 healthy restaurants and 60 outdoor activities available, including walking tours and white water rafting, the Scottish capital pips London to the post – though London does boast the most healthy restaurants (743) and the most outdoor activities (82), including abseiling, fishing and bike tours.
So while the people of Manchester may be the most eager in the UK to join a gym, the city might still have a way to go to join the top ten for leading a healthy lifestyle.
More information on the study can be found at Comparethemarket.
