Thousands of gyms, pools, leisure centres, sports clubs, schools, workplaces and other providers across the UK held free events yesterday (18 September) to help more people get moving and try something new on National Fitness Day.
The celebrations kicked off at the London Aquatics Centre, with Everyone Active hosting a rejuvenate class and a family diving session for the local community.
The children were joined by Team GB weightlifter Emily Campbell and ParalympicGB swimmer, Maisie Summers-Newton, who answered questions about their experiences at Paris 2024 and the role of physical activity in their own lives.
About 250 miles north, BBC Morning Live visited GLL’s West Denton Leisure Centre in Newcastle, where Dr Ranj Singh and ukactive’s Professor Greg Whyte OBE discussed the importance of physical activity for rehab and prehab, before demonstrating some exercises with the help of gym member Denise.
As Greg explained to the audience, there were thousands of free activities to take advantage of in facilities all over the UK.
Sports Minister Steph Peacock MP supported the day by hitting the gym, and Health Minister Andrew Gwynne MP joined primary school pupils getting active in Milton Keynes.The day was powered by ukactive’s partners and members across the private, public and independent sectors, who held local events, activities and competitions to amplify this year’s theme of ‘Your Health is for Life’.
With a clear focus on the nation’s physical and mental health, the campaign was supported by men’s mental health charity, Movember, and reward platform, Endurance Zone.
Commenting on the day, Maisie Summers-Newton, said: “It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your ability, physical activity is such an important thing for everyone to be able to enjoy and benefit from.
“I was inspired to be an athlete by watching the stars at London 2012 but more than my gold medals, it’s the enjoyment and the way being active makes me feel that is important to me.
“National Fitness Day is a great time to get started, try something new or get back to being more active in a way that you enjoy.”
Emily Campbell said: “National Fitness Day is our chance to shine a light on the importance of physical activity, as well as our nation’s brilliant gyms, pools and leisure centres that support people every day to be active in whatever way works for them.
“For me, it’s all about celebrating movement and I know how important it is for people to take that first step so they can find what they enjoy and create that habit for a healthy life.
“My message is to forget the stereotypes, you are stronger than you think so get involved today and try something new for your own happiness and health.”
It’s not too late to share your story from the day on social media – just use #FitnessDay
More People More Active More Often
