‘Your Health is for Life’ will be the theme for National Fitness Day 2023 on September 20.
The annual campaign, which is co-ordinated by one of the Coalition’s national sector partners uk active, sees millions of people across communities inspired to be more active, with thousands of free activities hosted by gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres, sports clubs, workplaces, schools and online providers.
This year’s theme will aim to encourage people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to recognise and celebrate the life-long physical and mental benefits of being active, thus supporting one of the principal outcomes of the Coalition’s #OpenGoal Shared Advocacy Framework ‘Improved health and wellbeing’.
HOLISTIC
With the support of Movember and Endurance Zone, National Fitness Day 2023 will take a holistic view of the importance of health and wellbeing, focusing on three key areas: mental health, nutrition and recovery, and physical activity itself.
There has never been a greater, evidence-based understanding that moving our bodies is essential for us to feel well, both mentally and physically. In the UK today, physical activity is helping millions of people to fight cancer, type 2 diabetes, skeletal and muscular pain, depression, anxiety, and many other conditions. Despite this, more than a quarter of the population in England is classed as inactive – averaging fewer than 30 minutes of exercise a week – according to Sport England’s latest Active Lives Survey.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “The message behind National Fitness Day has never been more important for the nation’s physical and mental health, so we are delighted this year to welcome Movember and Endurance Zone as our campaign partners.
“Your health is for life, so we want the benefits of National Fitness Day to extend far beyond our big day, and for everyone to experience the fun and the power of fitness throughout the year.
“There is no one-size-fits all, so ukactive’s members will be hosting a huge variety of free events for people to try something new and take the first step to a healthier, happier life.”
INSPIRATION
Lewis Jones, Head of New Partnerships UK and Europe at Movember, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with National Fitness Day this year to help spread the message of the importance of physical activity, not only for your physical health, but also the positive impact it has on your mental wellbeing.”
In 2022, National Fitness Day saw participation reach an estimated 11 million people, including over four million children and young people, and the total audience for the campaign hit more than 50 million through social media, TV, radio and the press.
To join the fun and to find a venue near you, check out the National Fitness Day website. Share your fitness inspiration on social media using the hashtag #FitnessDay and tagging @FitnessDayUK
