GREAT YARMOUTH'S 'GREEN GYM' GETS GOING

Thursday 26th January 2012

GREAT YARMOUTH’S  ‘GREEN GYM’ GETS GOING

Borough Councillors tried out the new free BTCV Green Gym activity at the launch of the year long project in Beacon Park today.  Offering a sociable way to get fitter, healthier and improve your general wellbeing, the Green Gym sessions run every Wednesday and every other Tuesday and aim to help improve the environment too.  “BTCV is delighted to have received funding from The Peoples Health Trust for this new Green Gym. We know you get a great sense of achievement when you look back at the end of a session and see what a difference you’ve made. Whatever your fitness or mood this is just such a nice way to spend a few hours every week,” Mark Webster, BTCV’s Norfolk Health Projects Officer, told us.

Councillor Mark Thompson said “This is a win-win situation for Great Yarmouth. The Green Gym brings much needed free help to better health for the people of the Borough, at the same time as improving the environment for everyone. It’s much more enjoyable than a rowing machine or jogging too.”  “I like this, it’s a nice open friendly atmosphere but if you don’t feel up to talking that’s ok too.  You focus on the work knowing you are helping and that makes you feel better because you’ve achieved something good”  volunteer  Ernie Woodrow  told us.

Anyone over 16 can join in and the Green Gym is hoping to get lots of people recommended by doctors, health trainers, support workers and health professionals such as Occupational or Physiotherapists. People with physical, sensory or learning difficulties, mental health or long-term medical conditions are welcome.  Transport is provided from the town and back again at the end of the session.

There are around 100 Green Gyms in the UK and the results from monitoring peoples’ health show they make a big impact, with significant improvement in both physical and mental health.

If you are interested in joining the BTCV Green Gym in Great Yarmouth, you can contact Mark on 07843 069 567 or via M.Webster@btcv.org.uk