Local NHS and Councils encourage residents to keep active

Local health and social care organisations are gearing up for a day of active celebration to mark National Fitness Day, on Wednesday 20 September.

Run annually by ukactive, the event encourages individuals of all ages and fitness levels to keep active and promote their physical and mental health through physical activity.  To support the event, local leisure centres and health clubs are running a range of free or discounted sessions.

We know that physical activity plays a key part in improving our health and wellbeing, helping with a range of health-related conditions, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, skeletal and muscular pain, anxiety, and depression.  Regular exercise just once or twice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Dr Matthew Bird, GP and Cardiovascular disease (CVD) Clinical Prevention Lead for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “Getting regular exercise has many benefits such as helping to manage weight, improving our mental health, achieving a healthy blood pressure and reducing our risk of cardiovascular disease. 

“Specifically, we recommend that adults where possible engage in around 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

“Brisk walking outdoors is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. It is important to do an exercise that you enjoy and is comfortable for you.”

Rachel Robinson, Director of Public Health for Shropshire Council and Liz Noakes, Director of Public Health for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “National Fitness Day is a reminder that physical activity is so important in helping us all live a healthier lifestyle. 

“There are lots of ways that local people can get involved, both this Wednesday and throughout the year across our communities.  We’re delighted to work in partnership with colleagues from across the Integrated Care System to make sure that these opportunities are available for all.”

Shropshire Council and partners offer a wide range opportunities to help improve people’s health and fitness:

• Their Leisure services offers a huge range of activities for all ages and  levels of ability – from Zumba to spin classes to swimming and splash sessions,  as well as golf, yoga, Pilates gyms and so much more!
• The Leisure Time app can help you choose and book your activities too. Check out the ‘Other leisure centres’ tab to see what our partner operators are offering.
• We’re proud to say that as a county we have some of most stunning countryside to explore and fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities. Our Shropshire’s Great Outdoors– is the place to go for walking, cycling and other outdoor experiences. Why not visit our country parks with playgrounds, easy access paths, toilets and refreshment kiosks. Parking fees apply at many of these sites.
• Families will especially enjoy Severn Valley County Park with its riverside walks, or The Mere at Ellesmere, where you can enjoy lakeside walks.
• Consider becoming a member of the Shropshire’s Great Outdoors membership scheme and support the country parks and sites across the county. Not only will you be helping to protect the future of Shropshire’s beautiful countryside, but you will also receive some member discounts and benefits.

Telford & Wrekin Council and partners offer a wide range of opportunities to help improve people’s health and fitness:

• TW Leisure offers a vast number of activities for all ages and abilities – from body-combat to Zumba to yoga. Swimming, golf and Tennis sessions are also available. And lot’s more.
• TW Leisure works hard to make their services more inclusive and accessible. Leisure Centres at Stirchley, Abraham Darby and Wellington have been refurbished with new accessible equipment.
• Telford and Wrekin is the perfect place for green space exercising, the borough boasts 23 nature reserves, over 300 green guarantee sites, and six parks that have all been awarded green flag status.
• There are also playgrounds, walking paths, football pitches and skate parks for people to discover and enjoy.
• To help people discover a love for exercising outdoors, the council is running several events as part of its Green Spaces Are Go campaign. Events will continue until December.

More information on local organisations taking part in National Fitness Day can be found on the campaign website at www.nationalfitnessday.com

For more information on how to keep fit please visit: Get active – Better Health – NHS (www.nhs.uk)