National Fitness Day is upon us with the appropriately trending #NationalFitnessDay, celebrating physical activity in the UK. Here are eight things to recognise the occasion, including opportunities for improving your future fitness, ground breaking Loughborough research in fitness fields and a look back at breaking a fitness-based Guinness World Record on our campus.

1. The 10,000 step question

10,000 steps a day is often seen as a magic threshold for leading a fit and healthy lifestyle. This eye-opening Loughborough research goes behind the scenes of this infamous slogan and suggests that one number definitely doesn’t suit us all.

2. Taking control of your own fitness

There’s no better day (except, maybe New Year’s Eve?!) to consider making the most of Loughborough’s incredible fitness facilities for yourself. That could be one of our gym memberships or looking into the fitness classes which take place regularly across campus.

3. Speaking of gyms, this is the best way to improve muscle strength…

Loughborough researchers have unlocked the method to best improving muscle strength. Dr Jonathan Folland found ‘short, explosive’ leg contractions is the most effective way to make those gains.

4. Bouncing the way to fitness

Did you know, graduate Becky White and 323 others broke a Guinness World Record for the most people bouncing simultaneously on trampolines? Even better, it was held right here on campus! Read a little more about this achievement on the BBC Website.

5. Struggle with hunger cravings? Exercise can help!

Our research has proven that exercise is more effective at decreasing your daily calorie count, than just restricting your food intake. This contradicts previous studies which have shown we usually want to eat more after exercising. Great news!

Loughborough alumnae win GOLD in the women’s hockey

6. Get inspired by our Rio 2016 success

Loughborough athletes took 12 medals home from the Olympics last year; an incredible feat which would have placed Loughborough 17th on the overall medal table (if we were a country!). Look back at our Rio coverage from 2016.

7. Gap in the market for wearable tech

We all love our wearable tech which tracks our positive physical activity, whether that’s pace on a 5km park run, steps climbed or calories burnt. But what about wearable technology which lets us know when we aren’t active enough? Loughborough research shows there could be a serious health benefit to these kinds of devices.

8. Something for everyone at Loughborough

Whether you’re super competitive or just want a kick about, fit as a fiddle or just like taking it easy, Loughborough offers opportunities to suit every lifestyle. There’s also coaching and volunteering positions up for grabs if you love working behind the scenes.

How will you be celebrating #NationalFitnessDay?