Better leisure centres are set to offer free activities across Cumbria on National Fitness Day.

The initiative, taking place on September 18, aims to encourage physical activity and highlight its benefits to mental and physical health.

Now in its 13th year, National Fitness Day is organised by UKActive, a leisure industry body.

This year's theme is ‘Your Health is Your Life’, focusing on the positive impact of physical activity and the opportunity it provides for social connections.

Better, managed by GLL, a charitable social enterprise, has planned a range of free activities across Cumbria.

These include free gym and swimming sessions from 6.30am at Penrith, Appleby, Kendal, Ulverston, and the Sands Leisure Centres.

Workington Leisure Centre, Whitehaven Sports Centre, and Copeland Pool Fitness Centre will also offer free gym sessions.

Various fitness classes will be free at different centres, including yoga, aqua aerobics, group cycle, HITT, circuit training, and more.

Those interested in participating this year are required to sign up for a free pass on the Better website at https://tinyurl.com/msyvcrwz before their visit.

Derek Jones from GLL said: "It has never been more important for the public to embrace activity and fitness as an aid to mental and physical health.

“So, we are delighted to join this year’s National Fitness Day Campaign -Health is For Life - in our leisure centres, gyms, studios and pools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a host of free classes and activities for everyone.

"No matter your state of fitness, taking small steps to be more active more often will have huge benefits throughout your life – and that journey could start on National Fitness Day when you try something new."

In 2023, an estimated 11 million people, including more than four million children and young people, participated in National Fitness Day.