When looking at opportunities for growth, our sector often likes to talk about the ‘inactive majority’. There is widespread recognition that we reach only 14 per cent of the population with our services, and that we need to focus our attentions on engaging the other 86 per cent.
But how do we do that? If it was simple, everyone in the sector would be doing it. However, in terms of getting more people, more active (if only just for a day) – National Fitness Day is an effective solution.
Opportunity to engage Taking place on 27 September, National Fitness Day sees the nation celebrate the fun of physical activity. Last year’s event was extremely successful, getting over a million people moving at more than 18,000 events – the most active day of the year. It proved that there is a genuine interest in the services our sector provides and that we can reach inactive communities by coming together.
We should look to harness the momentum from 2016 to deliver an even bigger event this year, reaching the full breadth of Britain. National Fitness Day gives us a fantastic and rare opportunity to engage with those who don’t traditionally interact with the physical activity sector – an opportunity we should grab with both hands.
This year’s event will certainly be the most wide-ranging in terms of reaching different segments of UK society. Alongside the myriad of activities that will be provided in schools across the country, partners AXA PPP and Argos will be taking the event into workplaces and high streets respectively. AXA PPP’s ‘Flying Start’ campaign will see employees across the country encouraged to kick-start their working day with an early morning workout or active commute. Meanwhile, Argos will build on last year’s success, offering free activities in their high street stores.
New converts Despite strong support from these partners, our sector has been the driving force behind National Fitness Day in past years, and I’m certain the same will be true in 2017. So let’s take this opportunity to shine the light on the fantastic work our sector does in getting communities moving, providing both mental and physical health benefits, while offering people new to our sector a taste of the fun of fitness.
If we can do this successfully, and use National Fitness Day to build relationships and embed positive experiences in participants, then perhaps we can turn the most active day of the year into a catalyst for a raft of new converts to physical activity. That will undoubtedly go a long way to reaching the inactive majority and attracting new members.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
