Number of gym users after Games leaps to a new high

the 2014 Commonwealth Games have been credited with delivering a surge in the number of people going to a gym.

Visits to local authority fitness centres have increased by just over a third since the Games were held in Glasgow.

Most councils have enjoyed significant increases in gym membership or attendances during the past ten years.

But there was an overall 36 per cent rise in the past three years, according to membership figures collected by the SNP as a result of Freedom of Information requests. It collated figures for the past decade from 22 out of 32 of Scotland’s local authorities but focused on rises since 2014.

Glasgow has recorded a 13.7 per cent rise in memberships since 2014, while in edinburgh the figure is up by 10.1 per cent.

Aberdeen has seen a 90.5 per cent rise since 2014, Orkney is up 137 per cent, and Dumfries and Galloway and West Dunbartonshire each recorded rises of around 70 per cent.

Glasgow Nationalist MSP Ivan McKee said: ‘It is fantastic that not only has [Glasgow City Council cultural and leisure services body] Glasgow Life seen a 157 per cent increase in its membership since the SNP came to office and a 14 per cent increase since we hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games, but that this positive pattern of growth has been repeated across the country.

‘the increase in gym-goers across Scotland over the last decade is testament to the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing at a school, community and national level in order to create a Scotland where people are more active more often.’

Mr McKee added: ‘Our Daily Mile challenge is in its sixth year and encourages children to pick up healthy habits.

‘I am delighted the number of gym-goers is ever increasing under this SNP Government.’

the Government estimates that physical inactivity contributes to nearly 2,500 deaths north of the Border and costs the NhS around £91million per year.

Last year, ministers published a report which showed that only 11 per cent of ten and 11-year-olds are considered active enough.

Guidelines suggest children of this age should take part in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

the study authors found that children were mainly sedentary, spending 7.5 hours per day on average sitting down, while only exercising for 73 minutes.

the latest figures are in contrast to a survey carried out in the aftermath of the Games.

the 2015 Scottish health Survey showed that only 4 per cent of those questioned thought about doing more sport as a result of the Commonwealth Games.

‘People are more active more often’