Activity is Key 

Why should I get active?

Being active is good for your mind and body. Every minute of activity counts – and the more you do, the more you'll benefit.

• improve your sleep
• clear your mind
• boost your energy
• help with back or joint pain

Exercise can also reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and some cancers. Make a start today – it's never too late!

Below is a list of local groups and services available to you. 

Parkrun

In 2019, Carlisle Healthcare became the first Parkrun Practice in North Cumbria. Health care practitioners at Carlisle Healthcare reguarly ‘prescribe’ parkrun to our patients with an aim to encourage our patient population to get involved! Many of our team members take part in the weekly runs and advocate the initiative far and wide. 

Parkrun is a free, 5k event that takes place every Saturday morning 9am, year-round (even Christmas Day!) across the globe. Local Parkrun's are at Chances Park, Morton, Carlisle, CA2 6JP and at Talkin Tarn, Brampton, CA8 1HN. Each parkrun is coordinated entirely by local volunteers and they are accessible for people of all ages and abilities. There is also a 2k junior parkrun for 4-14 year-olds and their families on Sunday mornings.

There is no need to run at parkrun and junior parkrun, each participant is encouraged to stick to a pace they feel comfortable at. Thousands of people walk the event with a companion, jog along with a dog or even join in as volunteers and spectators. Whether it is to be part of a supportive, welcoming community, gain fitness, make friends, learn new skills, try something new or simply be active in the fresh air, everyone has their own reason to attend a parkrun. It is also a great way to help clear your head, build up your confidence and mindset.

The initiative aims to improve the health and wellbeing of health care staff, patients and carers, reducing the need for lifelong medication. In 2017, the 1.11 billion prescriptions dispensed in communities across the UK cost £9.17bn.

If you like the sound of it already, you can sign up by clicking the link www.parkrun.org.uk but make sure you print off your personal barcode and take it with you to each parkrun or you won’t be timed!

MAN v FAT 

MAN v FAT Football is designed round building teams to play in a 14 week league, playing  football (usually 5 a side) on 3G pitches, FA qualified referees are employed and a coach holds weekly weigh ins. It’s open to all men over 18 with a BMI of over 27.5. There is also online support available to players about nutrition, mental health and other issues. Games are held on Monday evenings at Edgehill Road, Harraby with weigh ins/food diary checks at 18.30 and the games are played at 19.00 and 19.30 (30 minutes long) and if a player is not able to last for the half there are always ‘subs’ ready to swap in to give them a breather. 

What is MAN v FAT Football – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvVGbYkGW0U  

Did you know?
To stay fit and healthy, it's recommended you get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or around 20 to 30 minutes a day.

Kickstart your health

Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, get active or quit smoking, Better Health is here with lots of free tools and support. 

There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let's do this!

Better Health has a range of tools, tips and special offers to move more every day. From home workouts, free excercise programs to information on how to start exercising and inclusive activities. 

You can also sign up to become a member of a local Better gym. To improve the health of our communities and help get more people, more active, more often, they offer a wide range of memberships such as a Concenssionary and Inclusive memberships. 

Get active - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

iCan 

We founded as a not for profit community organisation in 2017 after working in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years. Based in Carlisle, our Fitness Centre is for those who would not go to a normal gym!

We have classes suitable for all ages, gender and health conditions. Our main female only circuit features unique hydraulic resistance training equipment, with a changing activity every week to keep your workout fresh and fun! Workout themes are picked by members choice each week. Activities could include, iBounce, Dance, Weights, Yoga, Rebounding, Strength and Cardio Exercises all performed in-between your circuit of machines. And it only takes 30 minutes!

Don’t want to come to the club to workout? iCan also hold sessions for Walking Football, for those who want to walk instead of run playing the ‘beautiful game’, alongside a weekly Walk to Talk group at Bitts Park. 

iCan is passionate about helping people break down barriers from I can’t to iCan! Empowering our community to live healthier, happier lifestyles long-term.

iCan Female Fitness Centre - iCan Health & Fitness CIC (icanfitnesscumbria.co.uk)

Fit Fans 

Carlisle United community Sports Trust are holding free fitness and lifestyle sessions designed by specialist coaches for men and women of all ages and abilities. Take it at your own pace. Mondays, 5:15pm-6:15pm. Spaces available! Call. text 07512305865 or email iclusion@carlisleunitedcst.co.uk for more information.