Belfast's National Fitness Day 2026 celebrated in style
Community activation part of ongoing celebrations of Belfast's European City of Sport 2026
Hundreds of people attended Better leisure centres in Belfast as part of National Fitness Day (16 September) - with events held at five locations across the city operated by charitable social enterprise GLL under the 'Better' brand.
Those attending the Aqua Aerobics at Lisnasharragh included Sinead McElmeel, who attributes exercise for having 'changed her life' in her recovery from injury.
At Avoniel's Outdoor Fitness Class, participants joined from neighbouring Better Gym Connswater to experience the 'joy of movement'.
Girdwood Community Hub held a School Sports Day for 120 primary school pupils from Malvern Primary School and Holy Family Primary School - with activities including fencing, athletics, Olympic handball and football delivered by the LFC Foundation.
At Olympia it was the Yoga Class keeping the participants supple.
Finally, Shankill Leisure Centre held a Pickleball Social - with drop-ins welcomed to try the fun and social short-tennis style game that's quickly gaining popularity nationally - especially with the over 50s.
Gareth Kirk, GLL's Regional Director for Belfast said:
"The National Fitness Day activity across the city supports the growth of physical activity with over 3 million visits a year"
“Welcoming more people through our doors on National Fitness Day helps create healthier and happier communities.
"Healthy habits inspired by this initiative can last a lifetime and bring many more years of active participation and personal wellbeing."
Also joining in GLL's National Fitness Day activities in Belfast was Mark Mansfield, Head of Membership at ukactive. He said:
“National Fitness Day is about helping people take the first step to a more active life, whatever their motivation.
“It was great to join GLL’s events in Belfast and see so many people visiting and enjoying their local leisure facilities.
"Through supporting our mission of more people, more active, more often, ukactive members are helping millions of people lead healthier happier and better-connected lives every day."
National Fitness Day in Belfast was the latest in a series of ongoing events celebrating Belfast's status as European City of Sport 2026.
Belfast was awarded the prestigious title for the very first time following evaluation of the city's investment into sport and physical activity over the last decade in transforming health and wellbeing outcomes for residents.
The city’s rich sporting heritage, together with support for grassroots community participation and coaching is boosting participation and improving health. 50% of Belfast adults now report taking part in weekly sport - up from 43% in 2023.
Gareth Kirk added: "Activity levels are improving in Belfast, which is important given the health inequalities experienced in some communities.
"Our long-term partnership with Belfast City Council and others is helping everyone enjoy the benefits that come from playing sport.”
The European City of Sport provides try-outs for activities in leisure and community venues, coach and volunteer development opportunities and a range of special events - including football, running and athletics. Sports camps for athletes attending the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July were provided as part of the initiative in addition to holiday schemes.
Belfast's National Fitness Day was part of a national activation that saw more than 174,000 visitors experience a range of free sports and taster sessions across Better's 250 venues.