There are plenty of good reasons to back Fair Rates for Fitness, and the thousands of emails already sent to MPs suggest people have not needed much convincing. But for anyone still on the fence, here is why the campaign is worth five minutes of your time.

Let’s start with the most obvious reason: gyms and fitness clubs help people stay healthier for longer.

Regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and several forms of cancer. Every session completed at a local gym contributes, in some small way, to reducing the pressure on GP surgeries and the wider NHS.

Multiply that across the thousands of people training in independent gyms every week and the potential public health impact is significant.

Supporting better mental health

The benefits are not only physical.

Many people who exercise regularly will tell you that the mental side matters just as much, and sometimes more. Exercise remains one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to manage stress, improve mood and create a sense of routine.

For many members, their local gym provides structure to the week, something positive to work towards and a reason to get out of the house, clear their head and connect with other people.

Protecting valuable community spaces

That sense of connection is another reason so many people are supporting the campaign.

A good independent gym is one of the few places where people from completely different backgrounds can end up on first-name terms, whether through a shared class or simply by seeing the same familiar faces each week.

At a time when social isolation is increasing and many traditional community spaces are disappearing, local gyms and fitness clubs are becoming even more important.

These communities are not easy to replace. Once an independent gym closes, there is no guarantee that something similar will take its place.

Keeping fitness affordable

Affordability matters too.

Recent industry reporting has highlighted a growing divide. Some people are spending more than ever on health and fitness, while others are being priced out altogether.

When the people forced to stop exercising are often those who would benefit most from staying active, the case for reducing the financial pressure on independent gyms becomes even stronger.

Fairer business rates could help gyms manage rising costs without having to pass every increase on to their members.

Creating a fairer system

Fairness is at the heart of the campaign.

Other industries, including hospitality, have received business rates relief and financial support from both the current and previous governments. That support has been understandable after several difficult years for pubs, restaurants and other local businesses.

However, independent gyms face many of the same rising costs and financial pressures. They also make a significant contribution to public health, local employment and community life.

It is difficult to justify why one sector receives support while another, delivering clear social and health benefits, is repeatedly overlooked.

Turning promises into action

Politicians from every major party talk about creating a healthier, more active Britain.

Fair Rates for Fitness offers them a practical way to support that goal: back the businesses already helping people stay active in communities across the country.

Independent gyms are doing this work every day. A fairer business rates system would help them continue doing it.

Add your voice

The ask is simple.

Join Fair Rates for Fitness, by entering your postcode and using the template provided to email your MP. Ask them to raise the issue with Treasury ministers and support fairer business rates for independent gyms and fitness clubs.

Every email strengthens the campaign and helps make sure the fitness industry is not overlooked when future decisions on business rates are made.

Join the thousands of people who have already made their voices heard.