Wiltshire residents encouraged to celebrate active lives
Sport England says more than a quarter of the UK population is 'inactive'
This Wednesday, 20th September, is thought to be the nation's most active day of the year.
This year’s National Fitness Day has a theme of ‘Your health is for life’ and Wiltshire Council are encouraging us to recognise and celebrate the long-term physical and mental benefits of being active.
And the council are offering free health MOTs at leisure centres this week, with those who take it up receiving a free seven-day pass to access all leisure centres.
The health checks will include a blood pressure check, resting heart rate, body mass index and a consultation into exercise and healthy lifestyle.
Checks are available at sites including Salisbury's Five Rivers, The Vale at Pewsey, Amesbury, Tidworth, Durrington and the Nadder Centre at Tisbury.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Leisure said the council wants people to view the day as the start of a journey, seeing health and fitness as something for life.
“We aim to help residents to prioritise and optimise their health and mental health, whilst also helping the people of Wiltshire to increase their activity levels.
“Being physically active is key to physical and mental health. It can reduce the risk of major illnesses and lowers the risk of early death by up to 30%.”
This years campaign is focussing on three key areas: mental health, nutrition & recovery and physical activity itself.
Physical exercise helps millions across the country fight illnesses such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, skeletal and muscular pain, depression and anxiety.