National Fitness Day 2026: Spotlight on Able2B

To celebrate the success of National Fitness Day 2026, we’re looking back at some of the activations run by ukactive members to help people get active on the day.

In this blog, Able2B co-founder Rachael Hutchinson shares details of the online fitness class the charity hosted to help people with disabilities get active and shares the inspirational story of class member Sandra.

To celebrate this year’s National Fitness Day, we hosted an online fitness class led by former professional boxer, Jon Thaxton. The session was designed to be accessible to anyone, of any ability. It could be completed either standing or seated, allowing everyone to take part in a way that worked for them.

The class, which was attended by 20 people, was about showing that fitness can be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or experience. It also was an opportunity to get active, build confidence and be part of a supportive community.

No one embodies the importance of creating inclusive active environments more than one of our class members, Sandra. I’d like to share Sandra’s story, which should be an inspiration to all.

Sandra’s story

In 2017, after suffering from a stroke Sandra was told she wouldn’t walk, ride a bike or work again. She never imagined exercise would become such an important part of her life.

Fast-forwarding to today, Sandra exercises six days a week. She takes part in three online fitness classes and three days of sessions at Able2B, where she enjoys activities including boxing and using a range of adapted gym equipment. She also goes out with a cycle club and works for a local charity helping other stroke survivors achieve the same recovery as she has.

But for Sandra, it is about much more than exercise. Able2B has given her a community where she feels supported, encouraged and able to be herself. Being part of that community has helped her build confidence and, most importantly, believe in herself again. It’s also given her purpose and a place in society again, something she thought she would never have.

Through finding activities that work for her, surrounded by people who encourage her, Sandra has continued to challenge herself and discover what she is capable of.

Her journey shows that fitness is not about how much you can do or what exercise looks like. It is about having the opportunity, support and confidence to get moving in a way that works for you.

For Sandra, being active has become part of her life, but the sense of community, connection and belief that has come with it has been just as important.

Sandra’s story embodies the values of National Fitness Day and is a reminder that fitness is for everyone. With the right environment and support, everyone should have the opportunity to discover their ability.

To find out more about Able2B and the activities they have available, click here.

To find out more about National Fitness Day, click here.