Council Launches ‘Be Active for Life’ Autumn Timetable for Improved Fitness and Wellbeing

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched their latest series of Be Active for Life classes to help residents of the district improve their physical fitness and wellbeing.

The programme which is designed by Council and delivered by Be Active Coaches offers over 60 daytime classes per week across Newry, Kilkeel, Down Leisure Centres and the Newcastle Centre. 

‘Be Active for Life’ aims to aid people of all ages and abilities engage in some level of physical activity in a way that is enjoyable and sustainable. The classes which cost £2.20 per session, are wide and varied and pitched to all fitness levels from low to moderate with some participants working to higher intensity levels depending on their ability. 

Whilst the outcomes are improved fitness, agility and stamina, classes are delivered to ensure they are fun and inclusive. A large aspect of the programme is the social element, not only evident throughout each class but also with participants enjoying a get together after the morning sessions conclude. 
  
The programme attracts a wide range of people due to the variety of classes available. Examples include Parent and Baby Fitness, where parents can take their baby along while they work out, Teen Gym where 12-15 year olds have access to gyms under supervised guidance from our coaches, 50+ Gym, Chi Me, Nordic Walking, Water Aerobics, Bocci and Spinning to name but a few. 

One advocate of the programme in Gráinne Campbell, who retired in 2022.  Gráinne joined the Be Active for Life classes to keep fit, add structure to her day and to meet new people. Having joined the programme, she tried several classes in Newry Leisure Centre with Badminton, Strength and Balance, LIIT (Light Intensity Interval Training) and Line Dancing being her top favourites.

One of the key features of the programme for Gráinne are the coaches, who modify exercises to suit fitness levels and ensure exercises are done correctly for maximum benefit.  

Gráinne says, “The coaches Laura, Ryan and Damian show enormous patience and kindness to a diverse group of people at different levels of fitness. Whilst I participate and enjoy many classes, I would recommend Strength and Balance to all age groups as you feel you’ve stretched all the right body parts and unknotted any tension. It makes you more aware of your posture too. I also like to challenge myself in the LIIT class and love the line dancing. It’s really good fun and learning the steps is good for my brain, especially for someone like me who can’t tell my left from my right!

I’ve never played badminton before, but it is my favourite class. Everyone in it is so supportive and encouraging and we have all improved our game. It is a brilliant workout. Some of us book a court after the class, so we are all much fitter than when we started.” 

Maura Sweeney also regularly attends Strength & Balance classes where the focus is on improving balance and becoming steadier and stronger. Maura says, “This class is really enjoyable. It’s a series of chair-based exercises… stretching and toning whilst working the muscles through weight baring exercises, which gives me a really good work out. I thoroughly enjoy it and I feel great afterwards!”

Chi Me, available in Down, Newry and Kilkeel Leisure Centres improves leg strength, assists with efficient breathing, aids pain management and promotes mental wellbeing. Geraldine Conway who attends the class in Down Leisure Centre is enjoying the benefits.  Geraldine said “I really enjoy the Chi Me class. It’s a very calm form of exercise which incorporates better breathing and good posture. I love the fact that it’s slow and gentle whilst being very impactful.  There is a lovely peaceful atmosphere in the class with relaxing background music.”

Gordon Colman regularly attends to Older and Active in Kilkeel Leisure Centre.  During the session, participants move across a variety of fitness stations completing different exercises for a short period to improve strength, flexibility, joint and cardio health. Gordon says “I’ve been attending the Be Active classes since February and I love it. It’s a great all round programme using lots of different equipment such as weights, kettle bells and step aerobics which gives me a full workout every time. You can be as active and push yourself as much as you want and with every activity being only 60 seconds before the next one, there’s lots of variety over the class. You don’t see the time pass and you feel great...I’ve so much energy afterwards!” 

Maureen Fitzpatrick enjoys Be Active for Life Water Aerobics amongst other classes. Maureen says, "The water aerobics are fantastic! Exercising in the pool with great music makes the time fly by. I find it gentle on the joints since the water supports your body weight. I absolutely love it and there’s always plenty of laughter in the group.”

Another person who enjoys the Be Active for Life programme is Gerard McConville. Gerard joined to improve and manage his health. He swims most days and is involved in the Be Active for Life circuits, where participants gain an all over workout through a variety of timed exercises using weights and exercise bikes. Gerard said “You always feel better after class, and I can see the improvement in my overall fitness and health. It’s a mixed group and I enjoy each session…lovely people, good music and a great class leader in Judith.”   

Discussing the programme, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Pete Byrne said, “I would like to congratulate everyone who is involved in this great Council initiative. The Be Active for Life programme offers a vast array of fitness classes for a wide and varied range of people, both in terms of their ages, their interests and their fitness ability. This programme is not only improving people’s agility and wellbeing but is creating friendships across the district.”

To see the autumn timetable or for information on how to book log onto www.newrymournedown.org/be-active-for-life

To hear what our coaches and participants have to say click the following link: https://youtu.be/IEyPalHV5v4