Earlier this week, Places Gym sites across the country celebrated National Fitness Day in style. The UK's biggest activity day of the year, designed to highlight the importance of physical activity, all gyms were opened up for free to members of the public.

Encouraging non-members to join in and members to bring along their friends and family for free, it was the perfect opportunity for everyone to get involved, no matter their fitness levels.

#FITNESS2ME

Fitness means something different to everyone - and we wanted to find out exactly what. All week long, members, visitors and staff were filling out our #FITNESS2ME boards to share exactly what they think about fitness and why it is so important.

One member said; "A few years ago I beat anorexia - fitness helps to keep me going. It's a positive energy release and keeps my mind focussed. I know now I am a healthy weight, I look great and I feel amazing."

Another member, Judy from Places Gym Preston, said: "Fitness keeps me feeling young. Ever since I've started at the gym, I feel so much more active, I've lost so much weight and I feel younger in myself.

According to my PT, I've cut 20 years off my metabolic age. I didn't know what this meant at first, but I'm definitely happier about being 20 years younger... somehow."

Check-out our Instagram page to take a look at the other amazing thoughts left by those who joined in on the day.

Rowing challenge

A brand challenge was also put on - members were invited to row as many metres as they could between Monday 23 & Friday 27 for two people to be in with the chance to win a free months membership!

With everyone in it to win it, Places Gym sites were soon a hive on activity clocking up an astonishing 516,810 metres!

Our winners are yet to be announced!

Fitness continues

In true Places Gym style, we're still celebrating all things fitness. Just because National Fitness Day is over for another year, doesn't mean we need to stop!

In fact, all sites are now gearing up for our next event - a Free Open Weekend, between 4 - 7 October. Have you registered your place at the event yet?

Join in with us and experience all the fun classes, workouts and challenges we have planned for members and the public.

Find your local Open Weekend here.

To find out more about Places Gym, or to register for a free 5-day pass at your local Place, click here.