London may have a reputation as fitness central, but new research suggests fewer residents are actually engaging with gyms than anywhere else in the country.

According to a new research from longevity brand Nuchido, London records the lowest gym engagement per person of any major UK city, despite having the highest overall demand for gyms and personal trainers nationwide.

This points to a potential disconnect between interest and accessibility, with London also having the UK’s highest average gym membership cost at £59.36 per month.

While London boasts and range of boutique studios, wellness trends and personal training services, the data suggests rising costs are preventing many residents from participating regularly.

Elsewhere, Leeds was ranked the UK’s healthiest city overall, while Manchester was placed at the bottom of the rankings.

Dr Nichola Conlon, longevity expert and founder of Nuchido, believes a person’s environment plays a major role in shaping healthy habits. “Health is not just a personal choice. It is shaped by your environment. Cities where healthy behaviours are more accessible make it easier for people to build them into everyday life,” she said.

The findings raise wider questions about affordability and accessibility in London’s fitness sector, particularly as the cost of living continues to impact residents across the capital.

For more information and the full rankings, visit Nuchido’s latest health index research https://nuchido.com/blogs/biological-age/the-uk-s-healthiest-cities-ranked-how-your-environment-impacts-your-biological-age