Get Active in St Helens

Regular movement and physical activity can improve your health, confidence and quality of life.

There are lots of ways you can get out and be more active in St Helens:

• Activities you can do at home - 'We Are Undefeatable' is a movement supporting people with a range of long term health conditions.
• Allotments and gardening - gardening and growing your own produce is a great way to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
• Change4Life - has lots of fun activities like 'The 10 Minute Shake Up' that you and your child/children can do to get active at home or in your local area.
• Cycling - find cycling groups, route maps and safety tips.
• Couch to 5k - take part in our 10-week beginner fitness programme at Sutton Leisure Centre (no running required).
• Download the NHS Couch to 5K or Active 10 apps 
• Events - find physical activity events across St Helens to keep your mind and body active.
• Exercising with a baby - find advice on keeping your and your little ones active.
• Fit Forever - find physical activity classes in St Helens for older adults, including seated sessions.
• Good Boost - find physical activity classes in St Helens for older adults, including seated sessions.
• Holiday Activities and Food Programme - discover a variety of fun and enriching activities that primary and secondary school-aged children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals can take part in.
• Home exercises and workouts for older adults - there are many different exercises you can do at home which are suitable for older people or those with health conditions.
• Leisure centres - find classes, events and specialist advice.
• Live Well Directory - browse the biggest wellbeing directory in the region, granting easy access to essential information, enriching activities, and vital support services to thousands of people of all ages with various needs.
• Parks and open spaces - a number of our parks and open spaces have free to use outdoor gyms.
• Running:
  • Parkruns - walk or run in the free weekly events. Try St Helens Parkrun, Sutton Manor Parkrun or Victoria Junior Parkrun.
  • Local running groups - find details of groups in your area
• Specialist services - St Helens Wellbeing:
  • Exercise Referral Scheme - your GP, practice nurse or health adviser can recommend you take part in a programme to take part in a range of activities at leisure and community centres.
  • Prescription for Wellbeing - get support from a social prescribing link worker, who will signpost you to a range of community groups, activities and services that will boost your wellbeing and help you to feel happier.
  • Weight Management Programme - lose weight for good, using healthy and sustainable methods of weight loss.
  • Specialist health classes - if you have a history or current diagnosis of cardiac conditions or live with a health condition, St Helens Wellbeing Service run specialist classes to help you stay active and healthy.
• Sports Clubs - find a local sports club in St Helens, there's over 250 to choose from, catering from children to older adults.
• Things to see and do in the borough - whether you're a history fan, a walker or cyclist, or lover of arts and drama you'll find plenty of things to do in and around the borough of St Helens.
• Volunteering - find opportunities with St Helens Wellbeing and Halton and St Helens VCA to give back and help keep yourself mentally and physically well.
• Walking - discover a range of free health walks across the borough. Download local walking routes and guides or try the Parks for Life measured walking routes laid out in Mesnes Park and Taylor Park.
• Youth Clubs and activities for 11-18 year olds - find out what's taking place at the new YMCA St Helens Youth Hub

You can also use exercise as a way to spend time with friends and family or to socialise with new people.

If you find it difficult to fit exercise into your day, a brisk walk, jog or even energetic cleaning can help you reach 30 minutes of exercise.