Nearly a Third of South West Residents Plan to Use Fitness Apps in 2026

Nearly a third of people living in the South West are planning to use a health and fitness app to help reach their fitness goals in 2026, according to new research.

The study found that 28% of people in the region intend to rely on an app as part of their fitness routine, with motivation cited as the biggest benefit. Almost half of respondents, 45%, said features such as reminders, progress tracking and goal-setting tools help them stay on track.

Motivation and wellbeing top the list

The research was commissioned by GLL, the social enterprise that operates nine Better leisure centres in Cornwall. It coincides with the launch of a new Live Better app.

A total of 2,000 people were surveyed nationwide. In the South West, 39% said they want to get fitter and improve their overall health in the coming year, while 26% aim to reduce stress and improve their mental health.

Health and fitness apps are increasingly being seen as a way to support both physical and mental wellbeing. Respondents highlighted diet or nutrition tracking (17%), mental health and mindfulness tools (17%), and sleep monitoring (19%) as key reasons for using apps.

Overcoming barriers to exercise

Digital fitness tools are also helping people overcome common barriers to exercise. More than a quarter of South West respondents, 27%, said they sometimes prefer to exercise at home due to convenience or privacy.

At the same time, 30% said they would be put off going to a gym or leisure centre if they felt uncomfortable or intimidated. A further 18% said an unpredictable or overly busy work schedule can stop them from attending 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 ranked highest at 31%. Cost was the main concern for 23%, while 19% said short workouts that can fit into busy days between meetings were important.

Why apps are filling the gap

These priorities closely match what people value in fitness apps. In the South West, 27% said apps allow them to work out whenever it suits them, and 32% said they help provide access to fitness support for those living in rural or remote areas.

Taken together, the findings suggest that as people set fitness goals for 2026, health and fitness apps are likely to play a central role. By combining flexibility, privacy, accessibility and motivation, digital platforms are becoming a popular option for people looking for realistic ways to stay active and support their overall wellbeing.

The Live Better app is free for existing Better members and costs £9.50 per month for non-members. More information is available on the Better website.