Winter Wellbeing – Stay Active

Winter Wellbeing – stay active

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents on how to keep warm, well and safe this winter.

This week, we urge people to keep active during the winter months.

The dark nights and cold weather can leave us feeling low but exercise is great for your physical health and fitness and has also been proven to help your mental wellbeing too.

If you can stay active, even moderate exercise can bring health benefits.

Personal trainer Sam Bottomley, of Everybody Sport and Recreation, the trust that manages the council's leisure centres, said: "Regular, moderate exercise will boost immunity by improving lymphatic and cardiovascular circulation.

"However, the effects of exercise on your immune system are short lived and, in order to optimise these effects, it is important to exercise regularly. A daily 20-30 minute walk would be an ideal way to start."

Staying physically active can help with conditions such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Throughout December, Everybody Sport and Recreation is encouraging residents to take part in a fitness challenge.

A spokesman for Everybody Sport and Recreation said: "We need to reach the North Pole, which is 2,500 miles away. Whether you want to walk, run, swim or row your way there, we want to know about it.

"Log your miles at your local leisure centre or tag us in to your social media using #EBChallenge. By taking part you will be in with a chance of winning a brand new Fitbit, a wristband device that tracks your activity, exercise, food, weight and sleep."

Exploring Cheshire East's landscape and attractions on foot is a great way to keep active and have fun during winter. Everybody Sport and Recreation has qualified Nordic walking instructors to lead you on exciting trails as part of a group.

If you were inspired by watching Stage Three of the Tour of Britain in September, and want to get out and explore on your bike, make sure you wrap up warm and take your bike for a health check to test that the tyres are in good condition. You should always wear reflective clothing and use bike lights and reflectors.

For the over 50s there are aerobics classes and walking football sessions, which take place at leisure centres and are a great way to get back into the game.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health, said: "Being physically active during winter will help you to stay well and warm and there are numerous exercise classes and facilities available across the borough, which cater for all ages.

"Exercise is also a great way to make new friends and can prevent you from feeling isolated. Remember to speak to your GP before starting any exercise plan."

For further winter-related advice, visit: www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil and www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

Residents can help friends and neighbours, who do not have internet access, by downloading and printing off information from the website and giving it to them.

For more details about the facilities offered by Everybody, visit: www.everybody.org.uk or email: enquiries@everybody.org.uk

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