FitNEXT uses a small number of cookies. Some are essential for the site to work, others help us understand how British readers use the site so we can improve it. We do not run advertising cookies and we do not sell data. This page explains exactly what is set, why and how you can change your mind.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file placed on your device when you visit a website. Cookies allow the site to remember things about your visit, such as whether you have already accepted our cookie banner or what your preferred dark or light setting is. Similar technologies (local storage, pixels, fingerprinting) are covered by this policy too.
The use of cookies on UK websites is regulated by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and, where personal data is involved, by the UK GDPR. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) sets the guidance we follow.
Cookies we set
The table below lists every cookie we set directly. Third party cookies are described in the next section.
| Name | Category | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
fitnext_consent | Strictly necessary | Stores your cookie banner choice so we do not show it again. | 12 months |
fitnext_theme | Strictly necessary | Remembers your light or dark mode preference. | 12 months |
fitnext_session | Strictly necessary | Used to keep your session secure when commenting or contacting us. | Session only |
_ga | Analytics | Pseudonymised reader identification for aggregate site analytics. | Up to 13 months |
_ga_* | Analytics | Stores per session state for Google Analytics 4. | Up to 13 months |
Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent under PECR. Analytics cookies are only set after you actively accept them in our cookie banner.
Third party services
FitNEXT uses a small number of trusted third party services that may set their own cookies when you interact with their content:
- Google Analytics 4 for aggregate, IP truncated reading statistics. Only loaded after consent. Google's privacy policy.
- YouTube when an embedded video appears on a page. We use the privacy enhanced "no cookie" embed where possible. Google's privacy policy.
- Cloudflare for site security and content delivery. Sets a strictly necessary
__cf_bmbot management cookie.
We do not run advertising networks, behavioural retargeting pixels, or social media tracking pixels.
How to control cookies
You can change your consent at any time using the cookie settings link in the footer of any page. You can also control or delete cookies directly in your browser:
If you turn off all cookies, parts of the site (for example dark mode preferences and the comment form) may not work as expected. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be switched off without the site failing.
Do Not Track
Some browsers send a "Do Not Track" signal. There is currently no consistent UK or international standard for how websites should respond to this signal, so FitNEXT does not respond to it specifically. Our cookie banner gives you a clear, granular choice instead.
Changes to this policy
We may update this cookie policy when we change the cookies we use or when UK guidance changes. The "last updated" date at the top of the page reflects the most recent substantive change.
Contact and complaints
For any question about cookies on FitNEXT, email privacy@fitnext.co.uk. You can read our full privacy policy for more on how we handle personal data. UK readers also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.