Islington Fitness Week 2024
A recent study from the World Health Organization is a good reminder about the value of keeping active and how this can make the world of difference to our health - physically and mentally. The study warns that physical inactivity is putting almost 13million Britons at risks of diseases like cancer, stroke, dementia and diabetes.
Join others in Islington this September to 'Try something new'!
It is National Fitness Day in September and we've come together with partners to offer a week of different ways to keep active: 16 - 21 September. Why not try something new?
Whether it is dancing, doing a workout, badminton, pilates, or boxing, you'll be in good company and we can guarantee a warm welcome. All the activities are free or affordable, but please note that you'll need to book for the activity you want to attend.
For a printable flyer to browse at your leisure: Islington Fitness Week 2024.
How to book for the activities taking place?
You'll need to book with the organisations providing the activities. The contact details are as follows:
Monday 16 Sept, 10-12pm (free) - Cycling session for all: all.ability@bikeworks.org.uk or call 020 8040 0582.
Tuesday 17 Sept, 10.30am-12noon (free) - Healthy Minds Healthy Bods Workshop: activities@ageukislington.org.uk or call 020 7281 6018.
Wednesday 18 Sept, 1-2pm (free) - Line Dancing, Peel Institute: k.bottomley@peelinstitute.org.uk
Thursday 19 Sept, 10.30am-1pm (£2.60 payable on entry) - Sobell, Sports Get Together (50yrs+): activities@ageukislington.org.uk or call 020 7281 6018.
Friday 20 Sept, 10.30-11.30am (free) - Pilates, Healthy Generations: https://healthygenerations.org.uk/join-pilates-kings/ or call 0798 114 2376.
Saturday 21 Sept, 10.30-11.30am (suggested £5 donation) Boxing fitness for adults with or at risk of Type 2 diabetes: info@c4cwb.org.uk or call / Whatsapp 07939 979186.
How much exercise should we be doing?
The World Health Organisation recommends that adults take 150 minutes of moderate intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity, every week. Examples of moderate activity include very brisk walking (4mph or faster), heavy cleaning such as washing windows or mopping, cycling at 10-12mph, or badminton.
Vigorous activity examples are hiking, jogging at 6mph or faster, shovelling, fast cycling, a football game, basketball or tennis.
The WHO defines insufficient physical activity as not as not meeting these weekly exercise guidelines.
Should I be exercising with a health condition?
The Moving Medicine website recognises that people long-term conditions are "often fearful of worsening their condition or experiencing potentially undesired consequences from physical activity." The website goes on to give really helpful guidance about exercising with a health condition and what to consider.
The We are Unfeatable website gives lots of ideas about ways to keep active when living with a health condition and further guidance.
How can I find other free and affordable activities locally?
Browse opportunities to keep active on the Islington Council sports and activities webpage: www.islington.gov.uk/active. They have also introduced an 'Active' physical activity finder so you can search for ways to keep active near to where you live, or that match specific interests.
Better Leisure offer free swimming for over 60s at Highbury Leisure Centre and senior memberships. See their Senior Activities page.
Better Leisure also has a good free day pass offer on National Fitness Day - a one day pass valid on 18 September 2024 only. Whether you want to use the gym, discover a new fitness class or go for a swim, take advantage and find your fit on us this National Fitness Day. Find out more
If you need a helping hand to work out what you'd like to do, call the Age UK Islington helpline on 020 7281 6018 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm) or email gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk.
Are there any exercise options that I can do at home?
If you're not able to go out, or want some options to do at home, We Are Undefeatable have some exercise videos which you might like to try and more suggestions.
Carers UK offer a Carers Active Hub including free recordings of online classes including Zumba, Tai Chi, seated Martial Arts and Strength exercises.
Islington Celebration of Active Travel
Islington Council is hosting a series of brilliant, free events on Sunday 22 September to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to enjoy the huge mental and physical health benefits of active travel.
Any feedback on exercising?
If you've any thoughts about your own situation that you'd like to share, please get in touch. Whether you've struggled to find an exercise option that works for you, or if you've enjoyed the things that you've tried, we'd love to hear from you!
Please contact us at communications@ageukislington.org.uk.