Take on a 'One Mile Challenge' on National Fitness Day - Wednesday 16 September
Five Rivers Leisure Centre will be offering free access to residents on Wednesday 16 September and Wiltshire Council is offering a number of promotional deals and inviting leisure centre users and local residents to take on a countywide one-mile challenge inspired by this year's theme, 'Powered by You'.
Residents are encouraged to complete a mile using a treadmill, exercise bike, cross trainer, rowing machine or by swimming a mile in the pool, highlighting how every step, stroke and effort contributes towards a healthier, more active lifestyle.
National Fitness Day, coordinated by UKactive and delivered by its members, celebrates the role that physical activity plays in supporting physical and mental health and wellbeing. Every year, millions of people take part in activities across the UK, with gyms, pools, leisure centres and sports facilities coming together to encourage more people to get active. This year's theme, "Powered by You", highlights the collective impact that individuals, communities, schools, workplaces and activity providers can have in helping the nation move more. The campaign encourages everyone to recognise that every step, swim, workout and positive choice contributes to a healthier lifestyle. According to UKactive's UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2026, a record 12.2 million people are now members of health and fitness clubs across the UK. However, many people still face barriers to being active, which is why initiatives such as National Fitness Day are designed to showcase accessible opportunities that help everyone take part.
Wiltshire Council's leisure centres play an important role in supporting residents to be active, whether through gym memberships, swimming, fitness classes, racquet sports, health programmes or family activities. National Fitness Day provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to try something new and discover the benefits of regular physical activity.
To help even more people get active, non-members will be able to access Wiltshire Council gyms free of charge on National Fitness Day, giving them the opportunity to try the facilities and take part in the challenge. Visitors will simply need to complete a gym waiver on arrival. A range of free health checks will be available at leisure centres, including blood pressure, resting heart rate, height and weight measurements, and lifestyle consultations. Non-members who book a health check will also receive a free seven-day pass to try their local leisure centre.
To help residents continue their fitness journey beyond National Fitness Day, Wiltshire Council is also launching a special membership offer. From 16 to 20 September, anyone signing up for an adult fitness direct debit membership, including Rackets and Swim Zone memberships, will pay no administration fee, saving £25 on the normal fee. Customers should use the discount code NFD26 when signing up. Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement and Corporate Services, said: "National Fitness Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many ways people across Wiltshire stay active and support their wellbeing. "This year's theme, 'Powered by You', is all about recognising that every individual's effort matters, whether that's completing a mile in the gym or pool, getting active for the first time, or taking another step towards a personal fitness goal. "We know that taking the first step can sometimes be the hardest part, which is why we're offering free gym access and health checks to help more people experience the benefits of being active in a welcoming and supportive environment." Wiltshire Council leisure centres offer a wide range of facilities and activities for all ages and abilities, helping residents to improve their health, wellbeing and fitness in welcoming and supportive environments.