Council bounces into action for fitness day

Staff taking part in 'Boogie Bounce'

Over 150 council employees took part in National Fitness Day on Wednesday (27 September) by participating in a range of activities from health MOTs and remedial massage to dance classes, walks and fitness challenges.

The highlight of the day were the ‘Boogie Bounce’ classes which saw groups of eight people bouncing on small trampolines to music, as part of a full body workout that burns fat, strengthens and tones the core, legs and upper body and boosts the immune system.

Staff were encouraged to ‘dress down’ in their active wear and allocated 30 minutes to attend one of the sessions. People who participated were also entered into a prize draw to win a one month free pass to any Link4Life leisure centre.

Councillor Jacqueline Beswick, Rochdale Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It is great that so many staff members took part in our national fitness day activities, tried something new and made that leap towards improving their own health.

"One of our aims as a council is to improve the health and wellbeing of all employees working in the borough of Rochdale, which will in turn improve their productivity and life experiences.

"Introducing physical activity into the work place is a great way to do that so I would like to urge all organisations in the borough to get moving and help us create a healthier borough.”

The council hosted the event in partnership with Link4Life and the Living Well team to celebrate the seventh National Fitness Day and highlight the importance of exercise in helping to lead healthier and active lifestyles.

Andy King, chief executive officer, Link4Life said: "It was great to be a part of such a successful day and see so many involved and exercising.

"We hope that National Fitness Day and events such as this are the catalyst for many to live a more active and healthy lifestyle."

Research shows that to stay healthy, adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week and strength exercises on two or more days a week. By doing this people can decrease their risk of getting serious conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, as well as keeping muscles, bones and joints strong for longer.