We all know we should be doing something to maintain our health and wellbeing but it’s hard to find something we enjoy that also keeps us fit and active.
Here are some activities you can do from your own house, just down the road from your house, or even at someone else’s house…lets start together to make some small steps to a healthier you!
For all the community activities and initiatives please contact the Active Communities Team on 01633 628936.
For Kids
Kids Fit
We have a range of sessions for young people to suit all abilities and needs. It’s not a "workout" but a fun based dance workout where you’ll learn to dance and keep fit to all your favourite tunes! These sessions are currently available at Thornhill, Penygarn, Trevethin and Pontnewynydd. If you would like a class in your area, please contact the Active Communities Team on 01633 628936.
MEND
MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition….Do it!) provides programmes, services and resources to help children and families learn how to improve their health, fitness and the way they feel about their bodies.
All of these elements help families manage their weight better and lead healthier lives, contributing to national and international efforts to prevent and treat overweight and obesity in children. We currently offer a programme for children aged 7-13 and their parents or carers. To join a MEND programme please contact the Project Leader Claire Baber on 01873 732620 or see the links on the MEND page.
For Older People
Extend
Extend provides recreational movement to music for the over-sixties and for the less able of any age. Extend helps you stimulate your physical and mental health, increase mobility and independence, improve strength, stamina, posture and co-ordination and can even help you overcome loneliness and isolation. Currently classes are mainly delivered to those who live in supported living accommodation - if you would like a class in your area please contact the Active Communities Team on 01633 628936
Gentle Chair exercises
Tailored at those with mobility restrictions, these sessions are held where people live in supported living accommodation and provide chair based exercise programmes to stimulate the heart rate and get you moving again! Currently sessions are held at various supported living accommodations but if you would like a class in your facility please contact the Active Communities Team on 01633 628936
Over 50s Dances
Afternoon dances are being designed specifically for the over 50s to be held 4 times throughout the year – spring, summer, autumn and winter. Tickets will be available at £2.50 each to include live band and refreshments. Transport can sometimes be difficult but the team will be able to put you in touch with someone who could help; any charges to be arranged between you and the transport company. Look out for dates and further information for the dances or contact the Active Communities Team on 01633 628936.
For Everyone
Aerobics/Stretch/Tone/Pilates
Classes available to suit all abilities and needs. These classes provide a combination of high and low moves to music - a high/low impact aerobic workout, conditioning heart and lungs, followed by exercising for specific areas of the body. Already available throughout Torfaen at local venues and we have recently increased the number of Community Instructors; they will establish more classes within the community so by the Spring of 2009 we expect to see classes taking place in a larger number of our communities - could we put classes taking place in your community? Contact the Active Communities Team on 01633 628936 for further information and details.
Bike Scheme
Our community bike hire scheme provides a range of cycles to suit all abilities from disabled cycles to all terrain mountain bikes. Many different routes have been mapped out which cater for either a one hour gentle cycle or a full day excursion – or anything in between. You could spend a couple of hours at the Garn lakes or if you wanted to venture further afield, take in the views along the Torfaen cycle path – need a link here. For more information contact the Blaenavon Cheddar Co. and Mountain Tours Ltd on 01495 793123.
Green Gyms
Green Gyms are all about keeping fit in a green space - whether it’s through clearing back vegetation, planting fruits and vegetables or growing your own herb garden. We’ve identified spaces which we think would be ideal but need your help to get it up and running. Get in touch with the Active Communities Team for information and to get involved.
One of the activities will be a weekly session at Greenmeadow Community Farm this Spring (2009) for digging, planting and growing produce. It will be instructor led to teach the correct way to bend, stretch etc., it’s having an exercise class with the added benefit of growing produce at the same time! Contact the Active Communities Team on 01633 628936 for more details.
Walking
Walking is an ideal form of exercise for everyone. It’s free, requires no special equipment to take part and has all the benefits of activity with the added bonus of social contact and support! There are weekly walking groups all around the County, led by qualified walk leaders. There are walks are designed for people who are currently not doing any exercise who would like to start walking, as well as the weekly community walks which can join as your fitness levels improve.
Contact the Health Improvement Team for details on 01495 742486.
If you would like to lead a walk of your own then we would LOVE you to get in touch, give us a ring on the number above.