Mayo's Andy Moran helps launch sixth annual National Fitness Day

Ireland Active ambassadors Andy Moran, former Mayo player, and Nathalie Lennon today launched Ireland Active’s sixth annual National Fitness Day at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena.

National Fitness Day will take place this year on Thursday, September 23, with thousands across the country getting involved in a range of free healthy and fun activities in leisure centres and gyms.

Schools, workplaces and exercise professionals are also set to take part, with participating fitness facilities across Ireland providing free activities on National Fitness Day to encourage people to be active.

On the day, virtual classes will be offered to workplaces nationwide, while schools will be participating in the 'Take on the Teacher Challenge'.

Now in its sixth year, National Fitness Day gives people of all ages the opportunity to avail of free activities in their local community. A variety of mini-sessions, such as yoga, aqua aerobics, exercise class, pilates and fitness training will be offered to give people a taste for a range of different activities – all run by qualified and registered fitness instructors in a Covid-compliant manner. Courtesy of Ireland Active, leisure centres, gyms, schools and workplaces will also host a number of competitions, with gym memberships and equipment vouchers all up for grabs.

Spearheaded by Ireland Active, National Fitness Day is supported by Sport Ireland, Healthy Ireland and the European Commission. The purpose of the initiative is to highlight the benefits of regular physical activity while promoting the extensive range of sports, facilities and activities available for people across the country.

This year’s National Fitness Day precedes the European Week of Sport (September 23 to 30), a European-wide initiative which looks to promote sport and physical activity, with indoor, outdoor and virtual activities held throughout the week. The delivery of National Fitness Day activities and resources is carried out in partnership with REPs Ireland, Cara and Swim Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of National Fitness Day 2021, Andy Moran said: “In both my professional and sporting careers, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of physical activity for people of all ages and the benefits it has for both mind and body.

“I’m thrilled to team up with Ireland Active to help launch their sixth annual National Fitness Day. It is a brilliant opportunity to highlight the excellent activities and facilities available to us nationwide, and I can’t wait to take part.”

Fellow National Fitness Day ambassador Nathalie Lennon added: “I am delighted to be an ambassador for National Fitness Day 2021. As a personal trainer, I’m particularly passionate about health and fitness. The range of activities available in this country is second to none and I would like to encourage everyone who can to get involved at their local leisure centre, gym, school or workplace, be it in the office or virtual, this National Fitness Day.”

Information on the activities and participating facilities nationwide can be found on https://nationalfitnessday.ie. Information will also be made available across Ireland Active's social media channels.