On Saturday, 3 October 2026, Bedford Shopping Centre and Planet Fitness will transform the open-air parking deck at Bedford into an outdoor fitness space for the Bedford Rooftop Fitness Takeover.
The free morning event will combine movement, music and community spirit, giving locals the chance to trade the traditional workout environment for a rooftop-style fitness experience.
The event will take place on the open deck parking area between Entrances 1 and 2.
And you do not need a Planet Fitness membership to take part.
Start The Morning With Movement
Registration opens at 7:30 AM, with the first session getting underway at 8:00 AM.
The morning has been designed as a sequence of different fitness experiences.
It begins with yoga, offering a more measured start to the morning.
Then things shift up a gear with Planet Fitness’s high-energy PF20 workout.
A hybrid and dance session will bring the morning to a lively finish, adding music and movement to the mix.
The event is open to all fitness levels.
Whether fitness is already part of your routine or you simply want to try something new, the Rooftop Fitness Takeover is designed to give the community an opportunity to get moving outdoors.
Move, Win And Give Back
There is more than one reason to show up.
Bedford stores will be contributing prizes worth a combined R20,000, adding an extra element of excitement to the morning.
Everyone who participates will also receive a goodie bag containing discount vouchers from participating stores.
But the event is not only about exercise and prizes.
It also has a community-focused purpose.
Attendees are encouraged to bring pre-loved gym shoes and fitness clothing to the event. The collected items will be donated to people in need, giving unused fitness gear a new purpose.
It means a pair of shoes or an item of clothing sitting unused at home could become part of someone else’s fitness journey.
A Fitness Morning For The Community
For Linda Linnow, General Manager of Bedford, spring provides the perfect opportunity to take the event outdoors.
“Spring is such a great time to get outdoors and get moving, and we wanted to create something that people could enjoy together in a completely different part of Bedford,” says Linnow.
She emphasises that participants do not need to be highly experienced or gym members to join.
“You don’t have to be incredibly fit or belong to a gym,” she says. “Come along, try a class, have some fun and, if you can, bring something to donate too.”
That inclusive approach is at the heart of the event.
The focus is not simply on working out. It is about bringing people together, trying different forms of movement and contributing to a community initiative along the way.
Save The Date
The Bedford Rooftop Fitness Takeover is free, but spaces are limited.
Pre-booking is essential.
The booking link and additional information will be shared through @bedfordcentre on social media, Bedford’s website, the centre management office and information desk.
With registration opening from 7:30 AM and the first session starting at 8:00 AM, the morning offers Bedfordview residents a chance to start October with movement, music and a little friendly motivation.
And if you have pre-loved gym shoes or fitness clothing gathering dust at home, there is an opportunity to give them a second life while you get moving yourself.
Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Registration: 7:30 AM
First session: 8:00 AM
Venue: Bedford Shopping Centre open deck parking area, between Entrances 1 and 2
Cost: Free
Fitness levels: All welcome
Booking: Pre-booking essential
Prizes: R20,000 in prizes from Bedford stores
For more information about Bedford, its stores and projects, visit Bedford Shopping Centre or follow @bedfordcentre on social media for updates.
