During September, residents of all ages are invited to try a host of free health and wellbeing activities as part of an annual campaign to get the nation moving.
This has been organised in BH Live, the registered charity that runs leisure and sports centres across Bournemouth in partnership with BCP Council, and Portsmouth in partnership with Portsmouth City Council.
On Saturday 16 September 2023 there is a whole day of free junior activity taster sessions for ages two and upwards available at Portsmouth’s Mountbatten Leisure Centre and Tennis and Gymnastics Centres. Activities are held indoors and outdoors, including athletics, tot’s tennis and basketball, soccer starters, roller skating, family gym sessions, Clip ‘n Climb, Wet and Wacky pool fun and more.
On National Fitness Day on Wednesday 20 September 2023, there is free gym and swimming sessions at either Mountbatten (gym and swim), Pyramids (gym only) or Charter (gym and swim). Littledown, Pelhams, Stokewood and and Corfe Mullen (gym and swim) and Sir David English Sports Centre and BH Live Active Queen’s Park (gym only) .
Then on Sunday 24 September 2023 there is a whole day of free junior activity taster sessions available at Bournemouth’s Littledown Centre including swimming, Wet and Wacky and Crusher pool sessions, activities for pre-school-aged children such as mini movers, soccer stars and tot’s trampolining, trampolining for older children aged 8-13 years old, multi-sports including basketball, family yoga and more.
Rob Cunningham, BH Live’s Associate Director for Leisure said,
“Looking after our own health and wellbeing has never been more important. As well as free one-day guest passes which are available all year round, taster days provide another opportunity to throw open our doors and highlight the role physical activity has in promoting wellbeing and self-care. We also know that households that take part in activities together are more likely to form longer-lasting habits. Furthermore, it helps raise awareness of the health benefits and points people towards leading healthier and more active lifestyles.”
Rob adds,
“When looking at physical health and improvement, it’s really important to understand what the starting point looks like and what the goals are. That’s why this year on National Fitness Day (20 September 2023), we will also be offering free health checks to include blood pressure, height and weight to help set some achievable goals and targets for improving health.
“Community leisure centres and sports facilities have so much to offer, and we hope to see lots of people coming through our doors and trying something new.”
On behalf of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the Council, with responsibility for leisure, said
“The health and wellbeing of all our residents is important to us, so, we’re pleased to work in partnership with BH Live to offer our residents the opportunity to trial sports and leisure activities for free this National Fitness Day.
“We’re urging everyone to get involved and take advantage of this offer to try something new this September.”
On National Fitness Day on Wednesday 20 September 2023 places are available on a first come first served basis. Facilities and opening times vary at each centre see website for details.
The full timetable of junior activity taster sessions in Bournemouth and Portsmouth will be listed and bookable online and via the BH Live Active app from Monday 21 August 2023. Capacity is limited for some junior activities and places should be booked ahead of visiting to avoid disappointment.
See bhliveactive.org.uk and facebook.com/BHLiveActive for more.
#FitnessDay #YourHealthIsForLife
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Saturday 16 September 2023 – Junior activities taster day hosted at Mountbatten Leisure Centre and Portsmouth Tennis Centre, Portsmouth. See website for taster day activity timetable and to book.
- Wednesday 20 September 2023 National Fitness Day gym and swim for free.
Participating leisure centres include Littledown, Pelhams, Stokewood, Sir David English Sports Centre (gym only), BH Live Active Queen’s Park (gym only) and Corfe Mullen. In Portsmouth sessions will be available at Mountbatten, Charter (after 5pm) and Pyramids (gym only). - Sunday 24 September 2023 Junior activities taster day hosted at Littledown, Bournemouth