The Norwich area is the fitness capital of the UK with more than 4 out of 5 people (83%) regularly exercising, according to a survey carried out by The National Lottery.

"This is an exciting statistic for the city of Norwich. We have some fantastic gym and sport facilities available, as well as some of the most beautiful open green spaces in any city. There are lots of outdoor fitness classes available to all fitness abilities. Whatever the type of fitness you're looking for, Norwich has it.  "There is always something going on, which is one of the main reasons why we have such a high statistic of active people in the city," says Papillon Luck of Liberte Fitness.

Liberte run the popular outdoor fitness classes at Earlham Park, and are recommended on thebestofnorwich for their fun outdoor classes, which are hugely successful in helping people lose weight and get fit. Their classes are ideal for people of all ages, sizes and levels of fitness.

Another bestofnorwich client who is excited about these statistics is Ross Lenton of Dynamic Fitness. Ross has a fitness studio conveniently located in Ber Street in the centre of Norwich and during the summer months has been offering running sessions for beginners and intermediates. The fitness studio itself is used by all ages, with exercise classes for the more mature in the mid-mornings, personal training sessions at times to suit his clients, along with other exercise classes, such as Zumba.

The National Lottery say that £1.4 billion has been invested in projects that boost the nation’s health.  Over £600 million has been spent on improving the nation’s parks.

The findings show that gardening and walking are the most popular types of regular exercise in and around Norwich:

- 33% of adults living in or near Norwich regularly garden compared to the national average of 23%. Those who garden twice a week or more in Norwich is significantly higher than the national average (30% vs. 18%)

- 56% of adults living in or near Norwich regularly walk, compared to the national average of 48% and 54% walk more than twice a week or more often

Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £148,249,365 has been awarded to projects in Norwich. 

Here are local examples of Lottery-funded health and wellbeing opportunities in Norwich:

Park Life
Encouraging local people to get outside and walk are the stunning parks and gardens of Norwich.  Catton Park was restored and rejuvenated with a Lottery grant and now boasts 70 acres of Country Park and numerous events for all the family throughout 2011. This includes a Nature Arts and Crafts Kids Club and an outdoor theatre for all the family. 

Whitlingham Outdoor Education Centre
The Centre is located in Whitlingham Country Park which has over 280 acres of beautiful countryside and is a perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers and family outings. There are lots of activities including sailing, windsurfing, sailing, archery, canoeing and kayaking. www.whitlinghamoec.co.uk/

Norwich City Roller Hockey Club
Norwich City Roller Hockey club is great for those who are interested in a fast paced sport. The club is based at the Wymondham Leisure Centre and has training sessions for youth and senior players.  www.ncrhc.co.uk/