An industry-wide coalition of physical activity advocates is urging Britons to lace up their trainers and get moving on Friday 26 September as part of National Fitness Day – the largest celebration of physical activity in the UK.

Founded by the énergie Group, ukactive is now co-ordinating the day, which will see thousands of people don their exercise gear and flock to gyms, health clubs, leisure centres and parks around the country to take part in free ‘Power Half Hour’ exercise events.

Better Gyms, British Military Fitness, Club Company, Energie, Everyone Active, Fitness First, Lifestyle Fitness, Gym Group, Places for People, Pure Gym and Spirit Health Clubs are just some of the major fitness providers inviting the public to try a variety of free sessions at more than 1,000 sites – from indoor cycling, exercise to music classes and swimming to yoga, boot camp and pilates. More venues are joining daily and are searchable through the digital activity finder at www.nationalfitnessday.com

“We’re a nation that just sits down too much. There’s a multitude of reasons for that, but right at the top of the list are lack of accessible opportunities to exercise and lack of motivation,” said David Stalker, CEO of ukactive and director of National Fitness Day.

“Getting fit can be daunting, especially when you’re just getting started. National Fitness Day is about removing the barriers by making physical activity enjoyable and open to anyone through free sessions, on their doorstep. If National Fitness Day can inspire people across the UK to move even just a little bit more, then we’re on our way to a happier, healthier nation”.