NATIONAL FITNESS DAY
Activating millions across the UK
National Fitness Day took place on Wednesday 16 September, providing free exercise and fitness activities to everyone – activating millions across the UK
Members of the public were invited to celebrate the fun of fitness, with thousands of free and reduced-price activities and classes across the UK. Led by ukactive and powered by its members, the National Fitness Day saw around 10 million people take part in free activities hosted by gyms, pools and leisure centres across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The theme of this year’s campaign was ‘Powered by you!’, highlighting that everyone can get involved – no matter what their age, background or ability.
One of the biggest national initiatives was the 20/20 Challenge, delivered by ukactive and Total Active Hub. Employees formed teams of four and aim to complete 20 minutes of movement every day for 20 days, with walking, cycling, swimming, yoga and gym sessions among the activities that count. Participation is free for organisations.
Better / GLL offered free gym sessions, fi tness classes and swimming opportunities at participating centres nationwide. Non-members could register for a free account to book National Fitness Day activities.
Cameron Saunders, CEO of ukactive, said: “The physical and mental benefits of being active are well known but our findings show people of all ages are also looking for friendship and community in the gym. Trying something new can sometimes feel daunting but our research shows many of us are in the same boat, looking for peer support and a community which can really help us stay active.
“Whether it was trying yoga, playing padel, Hyrox, or a swim class, National Fitness Day helped people take the first step to a more active life.”
National Fitness Day helped people take the first step to a m e active life
UKACTIVE MEMBERS GETTING PEOPLE ACTIVE
1 GLL
1 Over 250 additional people took part in free activities, including aqua aerobics, pickleball and yoga, at Better leisure centres across the current European City of Sport, Belfast.
2 ANYTIME FITNESS
2 Anytime Fitness hosted a “Powered by You” event at Battersea Power Station, which included a HIIT workout class inside the iconic London landmark, to celebrate the fitness operator’s expanded partnership with Apple Fitness+.
3 CIVIL SERVICE SPORTS COUNCIL Over 200 colleagues from across the public sector took part in the Active Wellbeing London Run around Hyde Park, hosted by the Civil Service Sports Council. 3
4 THE THAMES CLUB
4 The independent health club in Staines partnered with Technogym, EGYM and Les Mills to run an inviting, inclusive and fun day of activities, which was attended by over 600 people.
5 EVERYONE ACTIVE ESTON LEISURE CENTRE Eston Leisure Centre in Teeside ran a staff challenge where 10 team members covered a total distance of over 100km across a range of activities. 5