Embrace National Fitness Day: The Role of Yoga in Building a Healthier Lifestyle
As National Fitness Day approaches on the 18th of September, it's the perfect time to celebrate our commitment to a healthier lifestyle and reflect on the transformative power of fitness in our daily lives. This annual event, established in the UK, serves as a reminder of the importance of physical activity in maintaining our well-being, boosting our mental health, and enhancing our quality of life. At Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter, we are passionate about promoting the benefits of a regular yoga practice as a cornerstone of your fitness routine. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting on your journey, there’s no better time than National Fitness Day to recommit to your fitness goals and explore the holistic benefits of yoga.
What is National Fitness Day?
National Fitness Day is the UK’s largest celebration of physical activity, aimed at encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get moving and take charge of their health. Founded by ukactive, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health of the nation through promoting active lifestyles, this day is marked by thousands of events across the country, including free fitness classes, community fun runs, outdoor workouts, and more. The day is designed to inspire everyone—from fitness enthusiasts to beginners—to engage in some form of physical activity, emphasising that fitness is for everyone.
In 2023, over 10 million people, in the UK, participated in some form of activity on National Fitness Day, and over 30 million taking to social media to highlight the growing awareness and importance of physical fitness. This year, the theme "Your Health is for Life" will return, as ukactive and its campaign partners emphasise the essential role physical activity can play in our physical and mental health at every stage of our lives. Whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or rolling out your yoga mat, National Fitness Day is all about making fitness enjoyable, and a regular part of your life.
Celebrating National Fitness Day
Participating in National Fitness Day is easy and can be tailored to your interests and fitness level. The day is packed with opportunities to engage in a wide variety of activities, from high-energy group workouts to tranquil yoga sessions. Here are some ways you can celebrate:
Join a Local Event: Many gyms, community centres, and fitness studios host special events on National Fitness Day. Check out what’s happening in Leeds, or better yet, visit us at Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter for a rejuvenating yoga session that caters to all levels of experience.
Try Something New: If you’ve been curious about a new fitness trend or a different type of yoga class, this is the perfect day to give it a go. Whether it's aerial yoga, HIIT classes, or a gentle restorative practice, National Fitness Day is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new ways to stay active.
Get Outdoors: September often brings pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to take your fitness routine outside. Consider a yoga session in one of Leeds' beautiful parks, or combine your practice with a brisk walk or run. Did you see our outdoor Yoga in the Park last month? Read our blog about it, here.
Involve the Family: Fitness is a great way to bond with loved ones. Engage your family in a group activity—whether it’s a playful yoga session at home, a bike ride, or even a dance-off in the living room. Here at YKVQ we offer a range of family-based classes which take place over half-term and holiday periods. Check out our kids class blog for more info on our family classes.
Focus on Mind-Body Wellness: National Fitness Day isn’t just about physical exercise; it's also a reminder to care for your mental health. Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises into your routine. Yoga naturally combines these elements, offering a holistic approach to well-being.
The Role of Yoga in Fitness
Yoga has long been celebrated for its myriad benefits, which extend far beyond the mat. As a practice that integrates physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation, yoga provides a comprehensive approach to fitness that nurtures both the body and mind. Here’s why yoga should be an integral part of your fitness regimen, especially on National Fitness Day:
Improves Flexibility and Strength: Yoga postures are designed to stretch and tone muscles, improving flexibility and building strength. Whether you’re holding a warrior pose or flowing through a vinyasa sequence, yoga challenges your muscles in a way that enhances your overall physical fitness.
Boosts Mental Health: Yoga is renowned for its stress-relieving properties. Through the combination of mindful movement and controlled breathing, yoga helps reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote a sense of calm. This mental clarity and emotional balance are crucial components of overall fitness.
Supports Cardiovascular Health: While yoga may not always be high-intensity, certain styles such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga can elevate your heart rate, offering cardiovascular benefits. Additionally, the stress reduction from yoga can positively impact heart health, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart-related issues.
Enhances Balance and Coordination: Many yoga poses require you to engage your core and focus on balance, which can improve coordination and stability. This is particularly beneficial as we age, helping to prevent falls and maintain mobility.
Aids in Recovery: Yoga is an excellent tool for recovery, whether from a strenuous workout or injury. Gentle stretching and mindful movement can relieve muscle tension, increase blood circulation, and promote faster healing.
Encourages Mindfulness and Presence: At its core, yoga is a practice of mindfulness—being fully present in the moment. This mindfulness not only enhances the physical practice but also extends to other areas of your life, helping you make more conscious choices regarding your health and well-being.
Fitness and Well-being in the UK: The Stats
Understanding the current landscape of fitness in the UK provides valuable context for the importance of initiatives like National Fitness Day. According to recent statistics:
Physical Activity Levels: Despite growing awareness of the benefits of physical activity, a significant portion of the UK population remains inactive. Around 39% of adults do not meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Mental Health Benefits: Regular physical activity, including yoga, has been shown to reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%. This highlights the critical role of fitness in mental well-being, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yoga’s Popularity: Yoga continues to grow in popularity, with over 460,000 people practising yoga regularly in the UK. This number is a testament to the practice’s accessibility and effectiveness in promoting physical and mental health.
Community Impact: National Fitness Day aims to address these statistics by fostering a sense of community around fitness. Studies show that people are more likely to stick with an exercise routine when they have social support, making group activities and community events like those at Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter so impactful.
Making Yoga a Regular Part of Your Routine
As we celebrate National Fitness Day, it’s essential to think beyond the day itself and consider how to integrate regular physical activity into our lives. Yoga, with its blend of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, is an excellent choice for maintaining a balanced fitness routine year-round.
At Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter, we offer a variety of classes that cater to all experience levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Whether you’re looking to build strength, increase flexibility, reduce stress, or simply find a moment of peace in your day, our classes provide a supportive environment where you can explore the full spectrum of yoga’s benefits.
See you on the Mat
National Fitness Day on the 18th of September is a powerful reminder of the importance of physical activity in our lives. It’s a day to celebrate our commitment to health, explore new fitness opportunities, and most importantly, to recognise that fitness is a journey, not a destination. Yoga plays a vital role in this journey, offering a path to not only physical fitness but also mental clarity and emotional well-being.
We invite you to join us at Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter to celebrate National Fitness Day on 18th for a FREE Vinyasa Flow, 18:45 - 19:45. Together, let’s embrace the power of yoga to unite us in our pursuit of a healthier, happier life. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening an established practice, there’s a place for you in our community. Let’s move, breathe, and grow together—on National Fitness Day and beyond.
Can't make it on the 18th? No problem, every Tuesday the studio hosts a Gentle Yoga for Stress Release Class at 18:30, join us to unwind and keep those stressors at bay. Alternatively, start your journey by attending our open day on the 5th October. Taster classes run from 14:30-18:00. Click here to book your space.
Sweat, Stretch, and Win: Competition Time
To add some excitement to your National Fitness Day celebrations, Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter is thrilled to announce a special competition in partnership with Sweaty Betty. From Monday, 16th September, to Sunday, 22nd September, every time you attend a class at our studio, your name will be entered into a prize draw. The more classes you join, the greater your chances of winning!
The lucky winner will receive a pair of Sweaty Betty leggings and a 25% discount on their next 5 or 10-class pass at Yoga Kula Victoria Quarter. The winner will be selected at random and contacted on Monday, 23rd September 2024. The leggings must be claimed from the Sweaty Betty Leeds store by Sunday, 6th October 2024.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our FREE Yoga & Wellbeing Event at Victoria Quarter on Sunday, 22nd September, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM. Enjoy discounted shopping at Sweaty Betty and NEOM, free refreshments, and complimentary hand and arm massages by NEOM Organics. Secure your spot by booking via this link. Join us for a week of fitness, wellness, and the chance to win fabulous prizes!
Namaste.
