Free Activities at Better Leisure Centres Across Cornwall for National Fitness Day 2024

Better leisure centres across Cornwall are offering a host of free activities to celebrate National Fitness Day on Wednesday, 18th September 2024. The day, organised by UKActive, aims to encourage people to get moving and raise awareness of the physical and mental benefits of staying active.

Free Gym, Swimming and Fitness Classes

Better’s leisure centres in Bude, Saltash, Liskeard, St Austell, Bodmin, Truro, Newquay, Helston, and St Ives will be opening their doors to local residents, providing free access to gyms, swimming pools, and fitness classes. The activities on offer include Swim for All, Swim for Fitness, Aqua-aerobics, Tai Chi, Pilates, Group Cycle, and Dance Fitness. This year, there’s a special emphasis on the health benefits of swimming and water-based activities, particularly for those looking to rehabilitate after injury or improve their overall fitness.

Expert-Led “Swim Doctor” Sessions

For those interested in taking up swimming or getting back into it after a long break, Better will also be hosting “Swim Doctor” sessions at St Austell Leisure Centre at 8 pm and Helston Sports Centre at 10:30 am. These sessions offer personalised advice and guidance on how to make the most of water-based exercises to support physical and mental health.

The Theme: “Your Health is Your Life”

Now in its 13th year, National Fitness Day continues under the theme of “Your Health is Your Life,” underscoring the role that regular physical activity plays in improving both physical and mental wellbeing. With this year’s campaign, the focus is on encouraging people of all fitness levels to try something new and take small steps towards a more active lifestyle.

James Curry, Head of Service for GLL, the charitable social enterprise that runs Better leisure centres in Cornwall, expressed the importance of the event, stating: “It has never been more important for the public to embrace activity and fitness as an aid to mental and physical health.”

Over 11 Million Participants in 2023

In 2023, National Fitness Day saw an estimated 11 million people take part, including over four million children and young people. This year, organisers hope to build on that success by providing even more opportunities for people to get involved.

To participate in the free activities, residents can book their National Fitness Day pass by registering at Better’s website.

For more information on the range of services Better offers across its 250 leisure centres, libraries, and children’s centres, visit Better’s official website.