The 16th of September is National Fitness Day, a day designed to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and encourage everyone to participate in events across the UK. By taking the first steps, we set up a stronger and healthier future for all!
The tagline for 2026 is 'Powered by You' and highlights how everyone has a role to play in encouraging activity, and also encourages us to find movement that works for us and fits with our lifestyle.
If you're new to fitness or don't have much spare time, finding movement that works for you can be one of the biggest barriers to getting started. Research has shown that moving for just 10 minutes a day can have significant health benefits, and even just a brisk walk can make a difference. If you can get outside for 10 minutes, this is a great place to start, but even if you're not able to, there are plenty of other options. YouTube is a great place to start - there are thousands of free tutorials on there for all levels of fitness and ability, from gentle stretching to fun dance workouts that don't even feel like exercise! You can also check out the NHS site for more ideas on getting active, as well as general health advice.
There's plenty of equipment out there that is great for home workouts, but if you're unsure how to use it, it can end up sitting in a cupboard. We've put together a list of some great basic fitness equipment and how to get the most out of it!
Ankle and wrist weights* are often used in Pilates and are a great addition to any bodyweight workout or run! However, did you know that these can also be worn around the house as a way to help build functional muscle strength while doing everyday tasks?
Available in various colours and weights, these are a good investment for anyone at any level of fitness, as they will always have a purpose! Plus, they are adjustable and comfortable, meaning they can be used again and again!
Another useful item is a yoga mat - we love this non-slip, extra-thick mat*! These are lightweight and portable, so they can be used at home or on the go, and make any workout more comfortable - if you're thinking of trying yoga or Pilates, these are a must-have.
If you want to get some cardio in but don't have anywhere suitable to go, or would like to multitask while getting on with other tasks at home (like watching TV!), there are now plenty of equipment options that are reasonably priced and easy to store and move. We love this mini-stepper* - great for building fitness and lower body strength! This one also comes with removable resistance bands, meaning you can also build up to a full-body blitz! The intensity of the workout can be adjusted and tracked, and the stepper itself is quiet, meaning you can use it at any time of day (even when the kids are in bed), although if you have downstairs neighbours, adding a foam mat may be advised.
If you have a bit more space and feel more exercise confident, building up a small home gym can help you reach your fitness goals in a way that better suits you. We love this Adjustable Dumbbell and Barbell Set*, which allows you to easily switch between dumbbell and barbell exercises up to 20KG. The barbell is made with the 2 dumbbell bars and a connector, meaning it takes up much less space than a full barbell.
If you have somewhere suitable for outdoor movement, this is a great and free way to get movement in! Whether you're walking, running, exploring or cycling, getting out in nature, getting outside is a great way to improve physical and mental health. When you're on the move, especially running, having too much to carry can be an issue - taking keys, a phone, an energy boost, and water can be a logistical issue! We've tracked down this handy running vest*, which comes with a water pouch and is available in a range of colours and sizes, meaning there's an option for almost everyone!
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This blog is for general information only and is not advice or a recommendation. Please do your own research before making any decisions.
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