Moving more every day can support you to feel healthier and happier – and you can start today with very simple steps.
Free and simple ways to get active and move more
Salford has 60 parks and green spaces and 29 kilometres of traffic-free ‘loop lines’, all great for gentle walks, cycle rides, physical activities with the children or even working out outdoors.
Visit our Traffic free cycling and walking routes page to find details of walking and cycling loop line maps to download. GM Walking has routes in Salford and beyond and walking groups you can join. Download the Go Jauntly app to find and share routes, nature tips or take on walking challenges or the Active 10 app to track your walking.
You can find many traffic-free cycling routes across Salford, whether for commuting around the city or for somewhere to ride for leisure and recreation. TfGM’s interactive map can help you find more places to explore and cycle in Salford.
The NHS (National Health Service) has a range of tips to improve your balance, strength and flexibility, a series of instructor-led aerobics, Pilates and yoga sessions ranging from ten to 45 minutes and the Couch to 5k running programme.
Many of Salford’s parks have outdoor gyms so you can work out whatever the weather! Health Improvement Connect run lots of free activity sessions to help get you started.
Join a group to help you move more
If you prefer to join a group or take a class, there’s plenty on offer in Salford.
Salford City Council’s Health Improvement Connect service have over 30 free weekly activities, from kurling or bowling, buggy and toddler walks to netball, outdoor and home gyms.
Salford Community Leisure offer everything from supported wellbeing walks to gym, swimming, and exercise classes throughout the city.
Search Salford Sports Network’s map for clubs in your area.
Age UK Salford offer a wide range of low-level activities to support healthy aging including weekly walking football sessions - no running required!
The Ramblers Association, Manchester and Salford Ramblers welcomes new members, and Salford U3A offers walks for retired or semi-retired people.
Mile Shy Club are a registered charity with running and walking clubs across Greater Manchester including Salford. The club is aimed specifically for beginners.
Running Is Our Therapy, otherwise known as R.I.O.T, is a local community running group based in Salford.
Both Mile Shy Club and RIOT group use the NHS Couch to 5K App and programme to help people get started running or walking.
Salford Cycling Club welcomes new members (over 18s). Wheels for All offers cycling for adults and children with disabilities or differing needs, using adapted cycles and wheelchair transporters.
Extra support to get you moving
People with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, older people and people with disabilities are more inactive than others but have the most to gain from moving more.
If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, going for short walks is one way to help you break your smoking routine and cravings. Check out our Health Improvement Connect Stop Smoking Service who offer one-to-one support and the healthy lifestyle and wellbeing changes you need to quit.
Salford Community Leisure Active Lifestyles Team offer extra support to exercise safely. Check with your GP practice or Social Prescribing team before taking up activities and ask about getting exercise on prescription.
Need more help? Use the links below to find ways to help you get moving more.
This page was last updated on 30 January 2025