Live Life

No more excuses – get fit for Living Life!

We’ve all started the day with the best intention to go for a swim, get out for a nice walk, visit the gym and generally just exercise more.

Then, before you know it, the day’s over and you flop into bed with a promise that you’ll do better tomorrow.

But take heart. Only one fifth of all adults in the UK get enough exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle and good fitness level.

Below are some of the most common reasons given for not exercising and some tips on how you can break these barriers and get active.

I don’t have time

try swapping car and bus journeys for walking or cycling whenever possible
turn off the TV or playstation and get the kids out to the park for a ball game
do some leg, bum and arm exercises at your desk during the day
extend your housework time and burn more calories

I can’t afford to join a gym

exercise doesn't have to cost anything. You can walk, jog or run anywhere for free
look out for free taster sessions of sports at your local leisure centre or community centre (see pX for information)
invite some friends over and make up your own dance or exercise workout

I don’t like sport

many of us just shrivel up at the thought of entering a gym but there’s lots of activities to keep you fit outside of a gym - swimming, ice skating, gardening and dancing to name a few.

I’m too fat/body conscious

exercise can help you lose weight and create a better body but always check with your GP first if you have a medical condition
wear comfortable clothing and remember that most people around you are anxious about their bodies, so relax.

Never too young to start

0-4 Find out about toddlers’ swimming sessions and toddlers’ ‘gyms’ at leisure centres.
4+ The Department of Health says that from 5-18yrs kids should do a minimum of 1 hour of moderately intense activity every day.
8+ As well as an hour a day of exercise, kids should do at least 30 minutes of active play – this could be running around the garden or park.
12+ Kids should be doing at least three 20-minute sessions of vigorous exercise a week.

LIVE LIFE character Raj wanted to get fitter but could never find the time. He joined the walking programme of Newham Fit Club – a fun scheme designed to help over 18s achieve a healthier lifestyle. Both Raj and his wife Sukhi were given lifestyle journals packed with advice and were sent details of many local events and activities. Newham Fit Club is free, to register call 020 8430 6628.

LIVE LIFE character Anita was conscious of being overweight and very anxious of being bullied. Anita’s mum found out about MEND – a programme that empowers children and parents to lead healthier lives through a nine-week programme addressing mind, exercise and nutrition. Anita joined the programme at Little Ilford School in Manor Park and, as well as losing a little bit of weight, is having great fun discovering lots of new activities that help her keep fit.

Do you have children aged 7 - 11 years and are worried they might be overweight? Find out how they can benefit from the programme by speaking to your GP or call Newham Fit Club on 020 8430 6628

If you would like more information on MEND call 020 8430 6628.

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Football isn’t everything!

We have, for decades, been a nation obsessed with ‘the beautiful game’. But football isn’t everything is it? If you want to try a different sport then you’re well catered for in Newham.

Newham is home to no less than 300 sports clubs and associations offering everything from fencing to futsal, bellboating to boxing.

Getting started

Leisure centres, community centres, schools and many other venues will advertise their own clubs, classes and activities.

Take a look at our comprehensive sports directory for listings of all clubs and a full diary of what’s on and when at www.newham.gov.uk and in all libraries.

Try something new

If you want to kick football into touch, why not get a taste of other sports available in Newham.

Fencing

Only one of five sports to have featured in every Olympic Games since 1896, fencing requires lightning reflexes and a tactical mind. It also develops good co-ordination, balance and flexibility.

Contact Newham Swords Fencing Club at lindastrachan@hotmail.com or call 07956 618 898. They meet every Thursday between 6-8.30pm at Kingsford Community School, Kingsford Way, Beckton E6 and on Friday from 6-8.30pm at Lister Community School, St Mary’s Road, E13.

Courses are currently for children but adults can go along for a taster with courses tailored specifically for them running from September.

Futsal

Don’t want to move too much away from football? Why not give futsal a go? Futsal is played with a heavier ball which develops technique. Brazil’s football team use the game to train and improve their soccer skills.

Local youngsters in Manor Park, who were introduced to the game through a council holiday sports programme, liked it so much they set up a league which is now registered with the Football Association.

Futsal sessions are held on Wednesdays from 6.30-9.45pm in the sports hall at Little Ilford School, Browning Road, E12. For more information call 020 8430 2484.

Basketball

You don’t have to be in the land of the giants to enjoy this fast, fun team-based game.

An official Olympic sport since 1936, basketball began in America in the late 19th Century as a way of keeping YMCA students active in the winter.

For more information about basketball clubs and estate-based programmes visit www.newham.com/2012games

Watersports

If being near or on the water is your ideal way of keeping active then check out what’s on offer at the Royal Victoria Dock Watersports Centre (RVDWC).

Sailing, kayaking, bellboating and rafting are among the activities run at the centre. There are national schemes and courses that lead to qualifications or sessions just for fun. All abilities catered for.
For more information call 020 7511 2326.

Boxing

Some of the earliest evidence of boxing originates with the Egyptians in 3000 BC and this sport has long had roots in London’s East End.

To get involved with boxing visit the sports calendar at www.newham.com/2012Games or contact Carl Barton on 020 8430 2484.

Why not Go For It and start your own club?

If the contents of the sports directory still don’t get you revved up for living life, then why not start your own club?

Go for It grants, up to a total of £2, 012, are available to any resident wanting to help build a community fit to host the London Games.

So far ideas like a green gym, international dance events and family cycling club have all started thanks to Go For It Grants. If they can do it, so can you! Visit www.newham.gov.uk/services/councilfunding or call 020 8430 2433 for more information.

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