To celebrate National Fitness Day 2025, a new blog series shares the success of ukactive members that have helped power the campaign. The series explores the benefits that getting involved in National Fitness Day can have for organisations and their communities.
In our fourth blog of the series, we hear from Sandwell Leisure Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Braithwaite, who shares how SLT have been involved in National Fitness Day over the years and outlines their plans for 2025, which include a day of free events at a local hospital.
National Fitness Day has become an important day for us at Sandwell Leisure Trust.
How did we activate in 2024?
Last year, we pulled out all the stops to mark the occasion with a range of energising activities across our centres. From outdoor workouts to staff challenges, there was something for everyone.
One of the highlights of the day was our biggest ever outdoor fitness class. We took to the sports field, set up a full stage and sound system and created a vibrant, festival-style atmosphere. Music pumping, energy levels high and the community moving together in the fresh air, it was a moment to remember.
Not to be outdone, we also transformed an entire sports hall into a tranquil zone for a giant indoor yoga session. Mats stretched wall to wall as participants came together to stretch, breathe and relax in perfect harmony.
Across all of our sites, we ran a series of themed group fitness classes and challenges to help everyone get involved, no matter their level of fitness. From high-intensity workouts to fun, family-friendly activities, there was a real buzz of excitement throughout the day.
And it wasn’t just for our members, our own SLT team got involved too, with dedicated staff sessions, including a high-energy indoor cycling class. It was a great way to bring our teams together, boost morale and live the active lifestyle we promote every day.
We also saw strong engagement right across the board, from packed-out fitness classes to lively participation in our challenges and events. There was a real buzz across our sites, with both new faces and familiar members getting involved.
Our social media channels also saw a spike in activity, with increased likes, shares and comments on our posts in the lead-up to and during the day. It created a positive ripple effect, helping us reach a wider audience and shine a spotlight on the benefits of being active with us.
Why do we get involved each year?
At Sandwell Leisure Trust, we believe that movement is for everyone. National Fitness Day is a nationwide celebration of what being active can do for our physical and mental wellbeing and it has helped to strengthen our connection with the local community – something we’re passionate about supporting.
Taking part each year gives us the opportunity to lead by example. As a leisure trust, it’s our role to inspire and support our community in living healthier, more active lives. National Fitness Day gives us the perfect platform to show just how accessible and enjoyable fitness can be, no matter your age, ability or experience.
National Fitness Day 2025: how are we activating?
This year, we’re taking our celebrations out into the heart of the community, hosting a full day of free activities at Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital.
By bringing movement directly into the hospital environment, we’re reaching out to patients, NHS staff and local residents and inviting them all to take part in a day that’s all about feeling good, moving more and connecting through activity.
On the day, we’ll be offering a varied line-up of free, accessible activities to suit all interests and abilities. Visitors can take part in 30-minute sessions of yoga, chair yoga, Zumba, tai chi and indoor cycling, all designed to boost physical and mental wellbeing in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
For those who enjoy a more social or competitive edge, we’ll also be running drop-in games of badminton, pickleball and table tennis throughout the day.
In addition, we’re offering free body composition analysis to help individuals better understand their overall health, along with Sandwell Leisure Trust information desk where staff, patients and visitors can chat with our friendly team about local fitness opportunities and how to get started. Inclusive activities will also be available for children on the hospital’s ward, helping to bring the benefits of movement to every corner of the community.
We’re incredibly proud to be delivering this programme at Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital and to be working in partnership with NHS staff and the local community. National Fitness Day gives us the perfect platform to start conversations, break down barriers and show that fitness can be fun, social and for everyone.
To help you get involved in National Fitness Day this year, we’ve put together a digital toolkit full of helpful resources designed to help you plan and promote your National Fitness Day plans – download the toolkit here.
If you have previously taken part in National Fitness Day and want to share your story, please get in touch by emailing: press@ukactive.org.uk.
For more information, visit www.nationalfitnessday.com and stay up to date by following the campaign on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.
