Operators across the physical activity sector open up to the public today offering free sessions and activities in celebration of National Fitness Day, an initiative organised by industry body, UK Active.

This year’s theme, ‘Fitness Unites Us’, aims to emphasise how sport and physical activity can bring people together, regardless of age, ability or background.

In 2021 National Fitness Day attracted almost 23m participants and UK Active is hoping this year will be just as successful. Gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools and clubs all over the UK are getting involved. By using the Location Finder online, people can find out what is happening in their area.

At the Jubilee Hall Gym in Covent Garden this morning, personal trainer Laura Hoggins joined a workout with Les Mills trainers Jess McDonald and Sarah Durnford. At 10am children at participating schools synchronise to engage in ten minutes of fun for a 10@10 activity. These are just two examples of special events that are being held in every part of the UK today, from St Ives in the south west corner of England to Inverness, Scotland.

“The stories we hear on National Fitness Day show us the inclusive power of physical activity, bringing people from all walks of life together, in every community,” said Huw Edwards, CEO of UK Active. “Over recent weeks and months our nation has been faced with many challenges and it is more important than ever to support each other in prioritising our health and wellbeing.

“We hope that by uniting through fitness today, more people can experience the benefits of physical activity and in particular the mental strength and resilience it can bring to our lives.”

Today will also see the first broadcast of Fitness for Everyone, a programme made through a joint co-production between UK Active and ITN Productions. Created for ITN’s Industry News, it will be hosted by journalist Louise Minchin from ITN’s London studios.

Those participating are encouraged to share on social media with the hashtag #FitnessDay and more information can be found here at www.nationalfitnessday.com.

National Fitness Day was first organised in 2011 by Energie Fitness founder, the late Jan Spaticchia, who gifted it to UK Active to run on behalf of the nation. UK Active has subsequently created a Jan Spaticchia award in his honour.

What are you up to today on National Fitness Day? Share your news so we can add details of your special programmes to this story by emailing HCM's head of news, Frances Marcellin here.