Record demand for fitness and leisure facilities sees MP visit Gosport Leisure Centre
Dame Caroline Dinenage was welcomed by Places Leisure to Gosport Leisure Centre today (17/09/2026) to highlight the vital role health and leisure facilities play in improving the health and wellbeing of the community.
During the visit, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP was given a tour of the facilities where they met with staff and members as well as finding out more about the initiatives and programmes Places Leisure delivers within the wider community.
Demand for gyms, pools and leisure centres continues to grow across the UK, with a record 12.2 million people now members of a health and fitness club, according to the UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2026.
This visit highlighted the role MPs and policymakers can play in championing the value of physical activity and supporting fitness and leisure facilities so more people can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of moving more.
The visit celebrated National Fitness Day on 16 September, which is coordinated by ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector. The campaign saw thousands of gyms, pools, leisure centres and sports clubs across the UK host free activities to help people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to try something new and take the first step to a more active life.
Danny Churcher, Area Manager at Places Leisure, said: "We were delighted to welcome Dame Caroline Dinenage to Gosport Leisure Centre and showcase the positive impact our facilities have on the local community. Every day, we see first-hand how being active can improve physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections. National Fitness Day is a fantastic opportunity to encourage people to try something new, and we're proud to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities that help residents of all ages and abilities lead healthier, happier lives."
Dame Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, said: "I was delighted to celebrate this year's National Fitness Day by visiting Gosport Leisure Centre, thanks to ukactive. It was great to see so many people coming along and getting involved, either as a first-timer or a regular member.
"Moving more is crucial to creating healthier, happier lives so I hope the active habits kick-started today will last long into the future."
Cameron Saunders, CEO of ukactive, said: “It’s great to see MPs visiting their local gyms, pools and leisure facilities so they can witness first-hand the impact ukactive members are having on the mental and physical wellbeing of their communities.
“Through supporting our mission of more people, more active, more often, fitness and leisure facilities are helping millions of people lead healthier, happier and better-connected lives.”
To find out more about Places Leisure, visit here.
To find out more about ukactive, click here.
