Free activities and events are being held across the country today (30 September) in order to promote physical activity and help mark the UK's first-ever National Fitness Day.

Supported by the Fitness Industry Association (FIA), the concept aims to encourage people to think about their personal wellbeing and work towards improving the nation’s health.

National Fitness Days will be held on the last Friday in September, a time that many believe is a crucial period time of the year where people look to take up new forms of exercise.

FIA chief executive officer Dave Stalker said: "If exercise was invented today, it would probably be promoted as a 'wonder product' because it leaves you feeling good, looking good, but above all it does you a world of good.

"That is why a National Fitness Day is so critical to raising consumers' awareness that not only can a more active lifestyle reduce the risk of over 20 lifestyle diseases but exercising can be fun and a great thing to do with friends or on your own."

Details: www.nationalfitnessday.com