New Year, New Start!

With the evenings just starting to lighten and some cold, crisp days ahead, it’s an ideal time to introduce a few positive changes to our routines.

There is a wide range of fitness activities (from gentle to strenuous) available locally, and superb walks on our doorsteps.

Active Lives runs seated and standing exercise sessions for people aged 50 and above. The exercise programme is designed to keep people mobile, active, and independent. It can help make getting in and out of a chair easier, improve confidence, and reduce the risk of falling when you’re out and about.  To register or for more information, contact Julie Stokes at 01473 345350.

If you fancy something more energetic, why not try Powerhoop with Elie at Wickham Market village hall? It’s a fun fitness class using hula hoops, with a real twist! Proven to reduce your waistline, firm your tummy, and improve fitness, coordination, and balance, it also helps to reduce back pain. For details, contact Elie on 07976 299297 or eliewri24@hotmail.co.uk.

Fiona Hering of Method Fit holds classes for Parkinson’s sufferers and those going through or have had cancer treatment at The George Community Pub. Fiona also hosts regular small-group fitness and training sessions at The Barn on the outskirts of the village. Contact Fiona at 07801 653085 for details.

There are regular Saturday tennis coaching sessions at the Wickham Market tennis courts. For more information, call Martin on 0770255 9412.

LTS School of Dance runs Silver Swans adult ballet classes at the village hall weekly. Visit www.ltsschoolofdance.com for more information.

Cathie of Return to Stillness offers one-to-one yoga and meditation sessions in the village, and Vida Haus at the Three Tuns in Pettistree provides a wide range of Pilates, yoga, barre, and dance classes, both during the day and in the evening.

If you prefer to exercise to a louder soundtrack, maybe BOUNCE classes held at the school or Zumba at the village hall are more your thing.

A walk with friends or the dog can really lift the mood. How about nine or 18 holes of golf at Glevering Mill just outside Wickham Market? With riding stables at Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure, there are many options to get out in the fresh air.

If you need inspiration, visit www.visitwickhammarket.co.uk/walks-trails/ where you’ll find many suggestions and guides. Please check The George website and the village hall diary for all fitness groups and classes held at these locations.