‘A lovely way of bringing people together’
Green exercise programme launched in Nenagh
THE first of March heralded what truly felt like the first day of spring, and there was certainly a spring in the step of all who joined in the launch of the Green Exercise Programme at Nenagh Castle last week.
A growing body of research has shown that many health conditions can be prevented or improved not just by physical activity, by doing so out in the fresh air and surrounded by nature.
It was with that in mind that the Green Exercise Programme was launched. It is a free and accessible physical activity programme that aims to promote health and wellbeing outdoors. It is recommended to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, but it can be difficult to get started, be it not finding time, feeling self-conscious exercising in a gym or swimming pool, or simply not knowing how to get started with exercise.
The Green Exercise Programme can help people enjoy exercise in a gentle and supportive way, and in doing so, can prevent or help improve issues around overweight and obesity, poor mental health and isolation.
In partnership with the HSE Health and Wellbeing, Tipperary Sports Partnership and Healthy Tipperary, this programme is being co-ordinated by Silver Arch Family Resource Centre. Running twice a week over eight weeks, with each session lasting between 30 minutes and one hour, it includes warm-up exercises, gentle walking, and end of session stretches, all helping the participants improve mobility, muscle strength, posture and aerobic activity, all under the expertise of qualified fitness instructor Fiona Ward of FX Fitness.
The recent advertisement of this programme has resulted in a great response for our local community, said Noelle Clancy, Co-ordinator with Silver Arch Family Resource Centre.
"The aim of this programme is not only to offer a support to people wanting ease themselves back into exercise, but it’s also a lovely way of bringing people together, and the success of this was evident in seeing everyone chatting to each other as they got moving."
"After a tough couple of years, it’s great to see the green exercise walking programme finally starting on what was a beautiful sunny day in Nenagh," said Stacey Cahill, who is the Health Promotion and Improvement Officer with the HSE. "The HSE Mid West Health and Wellbeing Department are delighted to support this programme as it encourages the community back into the safe outdoor space where everyone can get moving at their own pace".
Commenting on the fact that this all takes place outdoors, Dan Downey, Healthy Tipperary Coordinator with Tipperary County Council said that "Healthy Tipperary promotes keeping active. Being outdoors, even during the winter months, is so important to help physical and mental health and wellbeing."
Tipperary Sports Partnership’s Maria O’Sullivan, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer agreed. She said "Tipperary Sports Partnership are delighted to support this initiative and help people who may be inactive or new to exercise to join in a programme that meets their needs both physically and socially. Walking is something that is a brilliant way to start exercising; all you need are comfortable shoes, suitable clothing and 30 minutes of your day." With the weather getting better and the evenings getting longer, Maria hopes that it will encourage everyone to get moving this March.
If you are planning on starting back walking, Maria says has some good tips to get you going:
Start slowly – only walk for as long as feels comfortable. This might only be for a few minutes each day, but if you keep walking regularly, you will soon notice that you will be able to walk for longer and it will become easier.
Stay safe – make sure to dress for the weather (a light rain jacket comes in handy), have a hi-vis vest and wear strong and comfortable walking shoes or boots, and don’t forget sunscreen! It is a good idea to have a mobile phone with you in case of emergency too.
Plan ahead – treat your walk like it’s an important appointment. Decide on what time you will walk each day, and have all your gear ready so you will have no excuse to not walk! Maybe even write it into your calendar/diary or set a reminder on your phone so that you will treat your walk as something just as important as all the other things going on in your life.
If you would like to join our next walking programme or would like to set up a group of your own in your area, contact Noelle Clancy at Silver Arch Family Resource Centre, Nenagh. Tel 067-31800.