The Department of Health and Social Care has published statistics on the use of the NHS Couch to 5k app for 2022.

According to the data, more than six million runs were completed using the app in 2022.

The app is a free running plan for beginners provided by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) in partnership with the BBC and has been downloaded more than 6.5 million times since its launch in 2016.

8600 people used the app to go for a run on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

With the beginning of the new year, people are being encouraged to download the app and make a healthy start to the new year. The app has been highlighted as a free alternative for people struggling to pay for gym memberships. A recent YouGov poll found that 10 per cent of adults in Great Britain have either cancelled or are considering cancelling a gym or other sports or exercise membership due to the rising cost of living.

Public Health Minister Neil O’Brien said: “The start of a new year is a great time to make healthy lifestyle changes and the free NHS Couch to 5K app is a brilliant way to get fit and healthy for free, as people look to exercise for less due to the rising cost of living.

“Keeping fit can have a positive impact on our health, preventing risks of developing serious illness such as heart disease and diabetes – helping to reduce pressure on the NHS.

“I hope people will be inspired by the progress of hundreds of thousands of others and will give the app a try - it costs nothing and could be the best resolution you make this year.”

Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay