Suffolk organisations announce plans for National Fitness Day 2022 as campaign calls for UK to prioritise physical health to support mental strength

Leisure providers and community hubs including the Unity Centre in Ipswich will be acknowledging National Fitness Day which falls on Wednesday 21 September, by offering free activities in the lead up to what is expected to be the UK’s most active day.

National Fitness Day will see a huge range of free events and taster sessions take place across the whole of the UK under the theme of “Fitness Unites Us”.

The partners at the Unity Centre are proudly marking the campaign by offering free walks led by ex- footballer Ruel Fox in collaboration with Ipswich Fit, whilst other leisure providers are also offering a range of exciting opportunities for local people.

Some of the available activities and offers in Suffolk include:

Free Health Walks being delivered by Ruel Fox in Ipswich in collaboration with the Unity Centre and Ipswich Fit:
Tues 20 Sept, 11am – Whitton United Football Club – 45-60 min – Grade 1 walk
Wed 21 Sept, 11am – Unity Centre, Whitton Clinic – 45-75 min – Grade 2-3 walk
Thu 22 Sept, 6.15pm – Whitton United Football Club – 75 to 90 min – Grade 3 walk
Fri 23 Sept, 11am – Unity Centre, Whitton Clinic – 75 to 90 min – Grade 3 walk
To book onto a walk call Ruel Fox on M. 07534 400670

Free day passes for the leisure sites operated by Abbeycroft Leisure in the West of Suffolk and Babergh, plus access to Abbeycroft at home classes via the app. Details and T&C’s at www.acleisure.com/nationalfitnessday

Free personal training at Waterlane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft on 21st and 22nd Sept. To book call: T. 01502 532540

Ruel Fox, ex- footballer leading the Health Walks in Ipswich during the week of National Fitness Day said:

“I am excited to be working with Ipswich Fit and partners from the Unity Centre on Meredith Road to celebrate National Fitness Day.

During the walks, you will be able to see the peaceful countryside, a variety of wildlife, farmlands and stables, and historical churches. Breaks are taken to admire the surrounding views and nice surprises that come along too.

As well as admiring the beautiful surroundings, participants will also benefit from being physically active and connecting with other from their community.”

National Fitness Day is the UK’s most active day of the year – in 2021 more than 22 million people were inspired to be active on the day. This year the campaign will continue to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to come together to recognise the importance of prioritising being active for our mental wellbeing as well as physical health.

The challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis and the pandemic mean many people in the UK are facing tough choices every day, but by uniting through fitness, we can find the mental strength to help us cope.

Using the theme Fitness Unites Us, campaign organisers ukactive are encouraging fitness, sport and leisure providers across the UK to demonstrate the inclusive power of physical activity in bringing people from all walks of life together, in every community.

Huw Edwards , CEO of ukactive, which coordinates the campaign, said:

“Today, we are all faced with our own personal challenges, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by events at home and abroad – from the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills, to global conflict and war, or environmental concerns.

“That’s why this year, National Fitness Day is the perfect reminder for all of us to prioritise our health and wellbeing, whatever the challenges we face.

“Your local gym, pool, leisure centre, sports facility or online provider can help you to take the first step towards improving your physical and mental health, as well as to connect with other people in your community because fitness has a wonderful ability to unite us.

“There are a huge range of options for everyone to try, with staff on-hand to inspire and support you, whatever stage you are at.”

You can also get involved in the campaign by posting photos or messages on social media in the build-up to National Fitness Day, using #FitnessDay and sharing a message or picture showing how you stay active and why.

For more information, visit www.nationalfitnessday.com and for the latest updates follow @FitnessDayUK on Twitter and Instagram.

[Media release issed by Active Suffolk]