Percy tussamba, FMC intern, London Sport
Movement is part of our daily lives. Every second of every day, energy is being used, whether we are walking to work, taking the stairs, playing sport, or simply getting outside for a few minutes. From pumping blood to repairing cells, our organs perform countless biological and mechanical processes to keep us going.
Beyond that, movement, sport, and physical activity play a much deeper role in our communities, unlocking benefits that go far beyond the numbers on the scale. More active communities support our mental well-being; they help us connect with others and build confidence and belonging. It gives people opportunities and can even improve academic performance.
That makes National Fitness Day the perfect opportunity to celebrate being active and this year’s theme, “Powered by You”.
What is National Fitness Day?
National Fitness Day is the UK’s annual celebration of physical activity, encouraging people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to move more. No movement is too small!
This day is not about being the fastest, strongest, or most experienced, but a day for everyone, wherever you are and where you’re starting from. It is about recognising that movement looks different for everyone and that every bit of activity counts.
This year’s theme, “Powered by You”, also recognises the role we can all play in helping ourselves and others be active, from individuals and communities to the organisations and people creating opportunities to move.
What fitness means to me
For me, fitness has never just been about the physical side of things.
When I first came to London, sport gave me a community. It’s how I met people, built connections, and started to feel like I belonged somewhere.
Today, in my spare time, I run boxing classes for refugees in London, and I see that same thing happens every week. Yes, people come to box and get moving. But it becomes so much more than that. It’s a place to meet people, build confidence, be yourself and feel at home.
Celebrating our team’s love of sport
To mark National Fitness Day, we asked our colleagues at London Sport to share their favourite sport or activity and why it means so much to them.
The result is a short video capturing some of the different ways our team likes to move, from boxing and climbing to running and everything in between. And that variety is important. Being active does not have to mean going to the gym or playing competitive sport. It is about finding something that works for you and, importantly, something you enjoy.
How to get involved
National Fitness Day is a great excuse to try something new or return to an old favourite. You could:
- Try an activity you have never done before
- Set yourself one simple activity goal for the day
- Go for a walk with a friend or colleague
- Return to an activity you used to enjoy
- Simply choose something that gets you moving and makes you feel good
Every bit of movement matters
Whatever you choose to do on 16 September, remember fitness isn’t about being the best. There is no single right way to be active.
For me, sport has provided fitness, friendship and community. For someone else, it might simply be the chance to clear their head with a walk at the end of the day.
That is what “Powered by You” means to me. Finding your own way to move and recognising what being active can bring to your life.
It is also worth acknowledging that not everyone starts from the same place when it comes to being active. Cost, disability, and access to facilities can all be real barriers, and National Fitness Day is as much a moment to recognise that as it is to celebrate movement itself.
Free and low-cost options exist, and small, adapted activities count just as much as anything else.
To find out about free and low-cost ways to get active across London, please click below
So, what is one active thing you could do today?
