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National Fitness Day

23rd September 2020

Today is National Fitness Day, a day which encourages the nation to celebrate fitness and physical activity. It’s a day for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to come together and take part in activities that promote a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Providers across the UK are encouraged to offer the general public opportunities to be active in their local community. This can be in the form of a virtual fitness class, a game or sport at school, a walk around the park, or even a company-wide initiative. It’s a great time to test out a new activity or start a personal fitness journey.

The UK is currently facing of a physical activity crisis. Physical inactivity is responsible for one in six UK deaths (equal to smoking) and is estimated to cost the UK £7.4 billion annually (including £0.9 billion to the NHS alone). Our population is around 20% less active than in the 1960s; if current trends continue, it will be 35% less active by 2030.

COVID-19 has also played its part in affecting our physical health. Lockdown saw a temporary closure for gyms and healthcare facilities across the country, which has forced thousands to rethink their exercise routine.

Nation Fitness Day therefore arrives at a perfect time to bring the nation together to remind us why it’s good to get moving, and how we can do it effectively despite COVID-19. Fitness helps us lead healthier, longer lives, while allowing us to focus on new hobbies and become more involved with our communities.

There are also huge mental benefits to physical activity. At a time when the UK is experiencing a huge surge in mental health issues in the wake of the pandemic, National Fitness Day provides an opportunity for us to boost  our wellbeing and look after our bodies and our minds.

Of course, National Fitness Day isn’t just about one day of exercise! It’s about committing to change and incorporating fitness into your routine and lifestyle. That’s why the UHA have re-launched the 10 at 10 campaign, which encourages office workers to exercise at 10am each day, for around 10 minutes. This helps employees become more active in the workplace by using gentle stretches and repetitions to suit all abilities. You can see Part 1 of the exercise routine here: https://www.unsungheroawards.com/10-10/

If you and your colleagues are taking part in 10 at 10 this National Fitness Day, be sure to use the hashtag #10at10 so we can see you in action!

 

Written by Sarah Catherine Jones | Creative Content Assistant