Sport Aberdeen welcomed Kirsty Blackman, MP for Aberdeen North, to its Get Active @ Jesmond venue in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen last Friday (January 30).
Kirsty donned her gym gear and put her fitness to the ultimate test during a Hyrox class, a functional fitness class in the venue’s dedicated fitness studio, The Quad. Kirsty was then given a tour of the facility and met with both staff and members to learn more about the gym and its popularity, seeing at first hand how one of Sport Aberdeen’s leading facilities plays a vital role in supporting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the community.
Graeme Dale, Interim CEO of Sport Aberdeen, said: “With January being one of our busiest months, it was a pleasure to invite Kirsty to Get Active @ Jesmond.
“We’re pleased to see an increase in the Scottish Government’s sports funding approved in the recent budget, and we’re keen to understand how that will translate at a local level. It’s important that those details are confirmed soon so organisations like ours have time to plan effectively.
“As one of the few local authorities that consistently delivers a free primary school swimming programme, continued investment is essential to ensure this provision can continue.
“We look forward to working with Kirsty to help raise awareness in Parliament of the role the physical activity sector plays in supporting local communities, and how we can encourage more inactive people to lead healthier, more active lives.”
Kirsty Blackman, MP, said “I had a fantastic time visiting Get Active @ Jesmond. It was great to see folks making full use of the excellent facilities. I even got to take part in my first ever Hyrox Power class - thanks to Nicola for making it such good fun.
“I love how bright and welcoming the gym is and the strong community feel in the building.”
Trends from 2025 show a continued shift in more people choosing to prioritise their health and fitness, with the number of members of a health and fitness club reaching a record high. ukactive’s UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2025 showed 11.5 million people are now members, with this trend set to continue into 2026.
There is a strong understanding of the importance of physical activity in maintaining good mental health, with 83% of adults in Scotland reported to acknowledge the relationship between the two. Almost 47% of Scottish adults report feeling that their mental health and wellbeing can be improved through physical activity.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, commented, “It is great to see MPs visiting their local gyms pools and leisure facilities which are working tirelessly to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of their communities.
“This month we will see a surge of new members who are looking to make lifestyle changes that better their health and wellbeing. Our nation’s gyms, pools and leisure centres are ready to meet this demand and welcome both retuning and new members with the support they need to live healthier, more active lives.”
As a registered charity with a clear purpose, Sport Aberdeen manages 31 venues across Aberdeen and reinvests every pound generated back into the city, ensuring local people benefit directly from every success.
For more information about Sport Aberdeen and the services available, please visit www.sportaberdeen.co.uk