National Fitness Day 2023: ‘Health is for life’
19 September 2023
Kate Thompson, Physical Education and Sport Subject Advisor
This year National Fitness Day is Wednesday 20 September – a day to encourage everyone to get physically active and to raise awareness of leading heathy lifestyles. In this blog I’ll look at what fitness really means and share some ideas for increasing physical activity for National Fitness Day and beyond.
The theme for this year’s day is ‘Health is for life’. We can all try and get out and be active and enjoy the benefits that are synonymous with fitness and exercise.
In the dictionary the word fitness is defined as ‘the condition of being physically strong and healthy’. But what does fitness mean to you or those around you?
- having a healthy diet?
- getting sweaty?
- being able to climb the stairs easily?
- running?
- lifting weights?
- socialising with friends?
- doing the gardening?
- wearing Lycra?
- being able to bend down to pick things up?
Remember, everyone is different. Not everyone views fitness as an activity or something to aspire to. Some people view it as being able to complete everyday tasks.
Benefits of regular exercise
Regular exercise can bring lots of benefits:
- Improved physical health. Exercise strengthens muscles and bones, reducing the risk of injury. It helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes fat loss. Regular physical activity can enhance cardiovascular health by lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It boosts the immune system, making your body more resilient against illnesses.
- Enhanced mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, reducing stress and anxiety. It improves cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Regular physical activity can alleviate symptoms of depression and boost self-esteem.
- Better quality of life. Exercise increases energy levels and stamina, making daily tasks easier to accomplish. It promotes better sleep patterns, aiding in restful and rejuvenating sleep. Physical fitness can lead to increased longevity and a higher quality of life in later years.
- Social connections. Participating in group fitness activities or sports can help foster social connections and build a sense of community. Group activities are a great way to be active, socialise and most importantly have fun. Shared fitness goals can create strong bonds with friends and family.
Practical tips for the future
Here are some practical tips for encouraging everyone to be more active for National Fitness Day and beyond:
- Find an activity you enjoy. Whether it's walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, or playing a sport, choose an activity that brings you joy. Enjoyment leads to consistency.
- Set realistic goals. Start with achievable fitness goals that gradually increase in intensity. This will help prevent burnout and injury.
- Get a workout friend. Exercising with a friend or family member can make fitness more enjoyable and holds you accountable.
- Try something new. National Fitness Day is a perfect opportunity to try a new workout class, sport, or outdoor adventure you've been curious about.
More information
The following organisations have a lot of interesting ideas for fitness and exercise for all age groups and fitness levels.
Let’s encourage each other to be active and enjoy fitness on Wednesday 20 September because ‘health is for life’.
Stay connected
Share your thought in the comments below. If you have any questions, you can email us at pe@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or tweet us @OCR_PhysEd. You can also sign up to subject updates to receive information about resources and support.
About the author
Kate joined OCR as a PE and sport subject advisor in November 2021 having taught for 18 years at primary and secondary school level. Within that time she held various positions including Head of Department and School Sports Coordinator. Kate took three years out of teaching to work in South Africa at a University in their sports department and to manage the set-up of a non-government sports development project, working in the local township schools.