As we are now in full swing with two new ‘Fit Village’ walks, and 2 more on the horizon, it seems an opportune time to tell you all about it. Not enough people are aware of all the fantastic opportunities within our county. The Fit Village project is one of many projects that is run by Suffolk Sport in an effort to ‘Get Suffolk More Active’. Post the Olympics, Sport England awarded Suffolk County council a £300,000 grant to support a range of ideas aimed at increasing participation in sport and physical activity. The focus is to support many different people, from rural communities, to increase local’s access to school facilities, opportunities for people with disabilities, Park runs, increasing cycling participation, and swimming for the older generation. Their ambition is to make Suffolk the most active county in England. The knock on effect could be Suffolk becomes the most desirable place to live for one’s health. Their focus is on encouraging a wide range of people to be active, whatever their age or background.
The Fit Village project helps villages in rural locations to set up their own sport and physical activity programmes, using village facilities, such as village halls, playing fields and local footpaths. Projects range from Yoga and Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, to Running clubs, Nordic Walking and Keep Fit. As the project continues to grow they are always looking for new villages to get involved, so if you would like to see one of these activities, or perhaps something new like Walking Football or Beginners Running come to your village then get in contact with them. They are very supportive and open to suggestions.
Nordic walking through The Fit Village project is a fantastic opportunity for people to change their lifestyle, get inspired to do more exercise and meet local people. The benefits of exercising outside have long been celebrated. Research shows a clear connection between spending time outdoors and a reduction in stress. Fresh air and increased oxygen helps release the feel-good brain chemical, serotonin – meaning walking outside not only helps you keep fit and healthy, but it helps enhance your mood.
Fit Villager, 78 year old Margaret is an inspiration to us all. She has been walking with the Kessingland Beginners Running programme since January 2015 and has lost 2 stone. The programme has had a huge impact on her life, far beyond the health benefits, well worth a read.
So if you want to get fit and change your lifestyle why not take this opportunity to come to one of our FREE Fit Village taster walks in either Clare or Risby.