PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITIES

The Sports Development team and their partners are working to encourage people to be more physically active. We are developing new initiatives including 'Fit 4 Fun' and Healthy Living Centres to make people more aware of what they can do to be fit and active.

A lack of physical activity is a major contributory factor in serious medical conditions. Medical evidence recommends that adults do 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week, and children do 60 minutes of exercise 5 times a week. This can include walking, dancing, gardening, swimming, skateboarding, cycling, running and many other activities.

Fit 4 Fun is a programme for the whole family designed to help and support children aged 11 to 13 in the county borough who have difficulties with their weight. Fit 4 Fun aims to:

• Provide children and their families with a variety of fun educational physical activity sessions.
• Offer a complete service to each family, including practical sessions, advice and information on physical activity, diet and lifestyle changes.
• Offer individually designed exercise programmes based on particular needs, capabilities and personal preferences, whilst taking into account any health/medical problems.

The course consist of 2 sessions a week for 12-weeks. For further information about this project please contact:
Helen Masters - Fit4Fun Physical Activity Co-ordinator on 07919 415442.

How do I get started?
If you have not been physically active for a long time, have concerns about your health or any illness or injury, it is important you check it out with your doctor before becoming more active.

The best way to start being active is to start building a little more exercise into your daily routine. Here are a few examples of how you can do this:

• Use the stairs instead of the lift.
• If you use the escalator, walk up instead of standing still.
• For short journeys, walk or cycle instead of using the car.
• Use the upstairs bathroom.
• Park at the edge of a car park.
• Do the household chores.
• Get off the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way.

Your local leisure centre will have details of activities anyone, regardless of fitness levels can take part in. They also have information on how to book courts or fitness sessions. The Sports Development team can also give you advice and information on clubs and initiatives in your local area.

Remember:

• You don’t have to be fit to start.
• You don’t have to leave your home to exercise.
• You don’t need a lot of time for exercise.
• You don’t have to be young.
• You don’t have to do it alone.