To celebrate National Fitness Day (Wednesday 16 September 2026), the UK’s biggest celebration of health and fitness, residents in Bournemouth, Portsmouth, and Southampton can get FREE access to gym and swim sessions at selected BH Live Active leisure centres.

National Fitness Day is the UK’s largest celebration of health and physical activity, coordinated by ukactive. This year’s theme, Powered By You, highlights that everyone has a role to play in building a more active nation, from individuals and communities to schools, businesses and healthcare organisations.

Whether trying the gym for the first time, returning to exercise after a break, or looking for a new way to stay active, BH Live is marking National Fitness Day by inviting residents across Bournemouth, Southampton, and Portsmouth to explore the facilities available at their local BH Live Active leisure centre.

Visitors can try a free gym or swim session by quoting ‘National Fitness Day’ at centre reception desks on the day. Activities are subject to availability. Participating BH Live Active leisure centres* include:

Bournemouth
Queen’s Park, Corfe Mullen, Sir David English Sports Centre, Littledown, Pelhams, and Stokewood.

Portsmouth
Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Pyramids Centre, Charter Community Sports Centre, and Wimbledon Park Sports Centre.

Southampton
The Quays, Bitterne Leisure Centre and Chamberlayne Leisure Centre.

Facilities vary at each centre – check ahead online at bhliveactive.org.uk

BH Live is a registered charity and social enterprise, whose charitable aims include encouraging more individuals to participate in regular sport and physical activity.

As well as participating in national awareness campaigns such as National Fitness Day, BH Live also provides community open days, taster sessions and concessions to encourage participation in sport and leisure.

In Bournemouth and Southampton, young people aged under 5 can enjoy free swimming when accompanied by a fully paying adult at BH Live Active centres. In Portsmouth, under 12s can enjoy free swimming when accompanied by a fully paying adult at BH Live Active centres.

BH Live is a registered charity and social enterprise. The charity operates leisure centres, facilities, and services across Bournemouth, Portsmouth, and Southampton in partnership with local authorities – BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council.

On behalf of BH Live, Claire Le Feaux, Head of Leisure, said:

“National Fitness Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that being active can have on our physical and mental wellbeing. This year’s theme, Powered By You, is a reminder that everyone can take steps towards a healthier, more active lifestyle, regardless of age, ability or experience.

“We’re delighted to support the campaign by offering free gym and swim sessions across our centres and welcoming both new and existing customers to enjoy our facilities.”

As a registered charity and social enterprise, BH Live is committed to supporting healthier communities by providing inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active.

National Fitness Day takes place on Wednesday 16 September 2026, with fitness, leisure and sports facilities across the UK coming together to inspire millions of people to move more and improve their wellbeing. More information about National Fitness Day can be found online at nationalfitnessday.com.

For more information about BH Live Active, visit bhliveactive.org.uk