Try something new this National Fitness Day in Wandsworth

This year’s National Fitness Day is on Wednesday 24 September, with the theme, ‘Powered by you!’. It aims to highlight the role we all play in leading healthier, more active lives.

Research shows that being moderately active for just 22 minutes per day can help mitigate the negative effects of sitting down for too long.

Moderate activity will raise your heart rate and make you breathe faster and feel warmer. One way to tell if you're working at a moderate intensity level is if you can still talk but not sing.

Regular physical activity is proven to reduce stress, improve mental health, and help you feel more energised. Even small changes, like walking instead of driving short distances or taking the stairs instead of the lift, can make a big difference over time.

This September, it’s easier than ever to move more with a range of free activities in leisure centres and other venues across the borough. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or just starting out, there’s something for everyone, from open gym sessions and fitness classes to tennis socials and junior sports.

Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “National Fitness Day is a brilliant opportunity to try something new, get moving, and connect with your community.

“We’re proud to support this initiative and encourage everyone to take part, whether it’s a gym session, a game of padel, family tennis or just walking or running a little more, enjoying our award-winning parks in the process.”

Highlights include:

• A five-day free membership for any sport or leisure centre in the borough
• Cardio tennis at Wandsworth Common, Tooting Common or Leader’s Gardens
• High-energy fitness classes like HIIT, bootcamp, and pump workouts
• Activities for over 50s across the borough, including tone and stretch
• Live Karma Yoga will be running a free Mindful Movement Class every Wednesday and a Chair Yoga Class

All activities are free and open to everyone and are delivered as part of the borough’s wider Wandsworth Moves Together strategy, which aims to make physical activity more accessible and inclusive for all. It also showcases the Council’s Access for All scheme, offering affordable and flexible ways to get active.

Graeme Henderson, Cabinet Member for Health, added: “September is a great time to get active and make the most of the late summer. Just 22 minutes of movement a day can boost your physical and mental wellbeing.

“It’s easier than you might think. Small changes to your routine, like walking instead of driving or choosing the stairs, can add up and make a real difference.”

Book your free session

Free five-day pass

As part of National Fitness Day, residents can get a free five-day pass for participating leisure and sports centres in the borough. This will include free access to the gym, swimming, and classes at participating venues during the five-day period. Participating venues include all leisure centres and sports centres (with the exception of Barn Elms Boathouse, Falcon Park and Furzedown Recreation Centre).

To redeem this, all you need to do is head into your local leisure centre and talk to a member of staff at reception. This offer is only open to Wandsworth residents so please remember to bring proof of address, such as a bank statement or utility bill from the past three months. 

Access for All

Through Wandsworth’s Access for All programme, Britain’s best concession scheme, eligible residents can enjoy 50% to 100% discounts on many different leisure services to help you get active.

Check your eligibility and sign up to become a member to enjoy these amazing offers.

Let’s get Wandsworth moving – powered by you!