Free events and activities will take place across the UK on 30 September as part of the first National Fitness Day (NFD), which is designed to help promote healthier lifestyles.

Backed by the Fitness Industry Association (FIA), the NFD concept will see the last Friday in September each year used to encourage citizens to review fitness and nutrition levels. Schools, workplaces and leisure centres will be among the venues to play host to events and activities, with people invited to participate in 'empower half hour' at midday on the day.

Organisers of the NFD see September as a period where people look towards new forms of exercise, with énergie Group reporting an increase in memberships at that point. énergie's Jan Spaticchia said: "September is a key time for the fitness industry and when we see a significant increase in the number of people taking up a gym membership, which tells us the nation has fitness on their mind."

Meanwhile, events being held on NFD will support Teenage Cancer Trust, while 90 fitness clubs are opening up for a combined one hour workout with more than 10,000 participants. Teenage Cancer Trust challenge events executive Faye Seogalutze said: "Everyone can take positive steps to look after their own health whilst also making a difference to the lives of young people diagnosed with cancer."