Column: ukactive

A day of physical activity

CEO ukactive

National Fitness Day is described as the UK’s most active day of the year, powered by the nation’s sports clubs, gyms, pools and leisure centres. It’s a day when people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities come together to celebrate the fun of physical activity and to recognise the incredible physical, social and mental benefits it brings to our lives. Last year, using the theme ‘Fitness Unites Us’, we inspired a record 22.7 million people across the UK to be active on the day. This year we wanted to continue building on the success of the campaign.

We wanted to paint a picture of our sector – its breadth, its scale, its many roles. Its part in our nation’s social fabric, its value towards productivity and economic growth, its essential place in preventative health. We live in interesting times. Following the trials and tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had little time to recover – as businesses or individuals – before another storm, this time in the shape of new economic and political turmoil. The cost of living and energy crises have made life in the UK tougher still. On a sector level, we continue to face testing economic challenges. At ukactive

THIS YEAR WE WANT TO CONTINUE BUILDING ON THE SUCCESS OF THE CAMPAIGN, REACHING INTO AS MANY HOMES AND COMMUNITIES AS POSSIBLE

we are working tirelessly with our members and partners to ensure we see support from the government and its agencies to help businesses survive, recover and develop to achieve our full potential. While we continue to lobby the government across a range of areas, National Fitness Day marks an opportunity to highlight to our parliamentarians and policymakers the potential of this sector to transform our nation’s wellbeing – not to mention the untapped relief to our NHS and social care services. Following hot on the heels of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, we want England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to stand united in our mission, helping to make sure that everyone has the access and inspiration to be active in a way that works for them. That’s why this year National Fitness Day helped support all of us to prioritise our health and wellbeing, whatever the challenges we face. We wanted to send a clear message to the public: your local sports club, gym, pool, leisure centre, or online provider can help you to invest in your health and connect with other people through physical activity – improving your mental strength and positivity too. National Fitness Day took place Wednesday 21 September 2022. To find out more about the National Fitness Day, visit www.nationalfitnessday.com