A SOUTHAMPTON charity is running a series of gentle outdoor walking and fitness sessions on the Common this and next month to help people improve their health and wellbeing (January and February 2022).
Options Wellbeing Trust is hosting six, weekly, one-hour sessions starting on January 31 to assist adults of all ages wishing to get fit and to improve their self-care routines post-pandemic.
James Lee, who is running the group and is a qualified and experienced personal trainer, explains: “If your New Year’s Resolution was to get fit and to meet new people, then we’d love it if you joined us for our new, fun, six-session, one-hour walking and outdoor fitness course taking place at the Fitness Area on Southampton Common starting on January 31.
“We’re hosting weekly Monday morning classes at 7am for anyone keen to join in before work and then from February 3, we’ll be hosting weekly Thursday classes at 10.30am too, for those who’d like to come later. Our gentle sessions, which are suitable for all abilities, are designed to help you to improve your mobility and fitness, develop your core strength and reach your goals.”
The events are part of Options Wellbeing Trust’s new 2022 campaign to promote better self-care, self-kindness and self-worth in the wake of the pandemic.
Claire Trent, Service Manager at the charity based on Shirley Road, explains: “It’s really important to maintain your physical health to have good mental health and wellbeing. They go hand-in-hand.
“We’re inviting people to sign-up for our outdoor fitness course so, with James’ help, they can develop their own personalised plan to improve their health and wellbeing in a safe and welcoming environment.”
James saw that physical and emotional health was an issue for people in the various lockdowns and when self-isolating, and that they were struggling with getting enough physical activity.
He says: “I retrained during the first lockdown as it was becoming apparent that people’s needs were changing dramatically. There was a decreasing demand for my previous profession as a photographer and a big push for those who have trained in health care.
“When I left school at 16, I initially wanted to go into sports therapy and massage, but the options that were available at college took me on a different path, which continued for more than 10 years. Covid actually gave me the impetus to go back to what I initially wanted to do. I am really pleased that I am now able to help others on a daily basis.”
Places at the six sessions, hosted by James, starting on January 31 from 7am and then from February 3 at 10.30am, cost £33 per person.
For further details and to book, please visit www.optionswellbeing.co.uk.
