CHANGE Fitness Launches Providing Free Gentle Exercise Sessions This March In Cumbernauld

Cumbernauld Family Hub is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new healthy lifestyle initiative called CHANGE Fitness, with bookings now being taken for gentle and fun exercise classes being hosted this March.

CHANGE Fitness (Cornerstone House All In Fitness Non-competitive Group Exercise) is designed for people in Greater Cumbernauld looking to restart healthier habits at a gentle, measured pace.

Ideal for those eager to take a tentative first step into a healthier lifestyle, free hour-long classes will be delivered by a fully qualified fitness instructor over four Mondays in March. Sessions will take place from 11.30am-12.30pm on Monday 6 March 2023, Monday 13 March 2023, Monday 20 March 2023 and Monday 27 March 2023 at Cornerstone House (1 Esk Walk, Cumbernauld, G67 1BZ).  

Participation can be undertaken seated or standing, with CHANGE Fitness sessions suitable for both able-bodied people and those with limited mobility. An open invitation is extended to all, although places must be booked in advance by contacting Cornerstone House Centre on 01236 739220 or emailing familyhub@cornerstone-house.org.uk.

Individuals booking places will be asked to complete a short questionnaire in advance of attending the first session for health and safety purposes. Karen Lawson, Project Coordinator for Cumbernauld Family Hub at Cornerstone House Centre, commented:

“When illness, disability or other circumstances in life lead to a reduction of activity it can be challenging to get back into exercise to say the least.

“These free weekly sessions will offer gentle physical activity for local people not currently regularly active, including older citizens, people with long-term health conditions and those who feel they are not in the best shape at the moment.

 “CHANGE Fitness will provide a very gentle entry-level class, with the aim being to help people living in Greater Cumbernauld progress their fitness levels at a steady and manageable pace. There is no pressure for participants to take part in any exercises that they feel is too much for them.

“Martin Murray of All In Fitness Scotland, who is a very experienced and friendly local coach, will deliver the sessions. Martin is qualified to work with people with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions.

“If you haven’t exercised in a while, don’t worry. Our class focuses on gentle exercise to help you to regain your fitness at a moderate pace. If you’re used to regular physical activity, exercises can be tailored to be more strenuous.

“Regular physical activity at all stages of life is important for so many reasons – not only will your health improve, but you’ll also meet new people. There’s something to suit everyone at the new venture being delivered this March.”

Places on the CHANGE Fitness programme will be provided on a first come first served basis. Please state in your email how many adults will be attending and if you have any special requirements.

Staying active, albeit in a leisurely level, will maintain bone mass, increase flexibility and improve cardio fitness. By following a gentle exercise programme, you can also reduce stress, enhance self-esteem and elevate your mood and energy levels. Gentle exercise can also help you keep to a healthy weight, reduce your risk of falls by strengthening your muscles and improve your thinking skills

Indeed, a recent study found that gentle exercise routines can work just as well as rigorous workouts. The research evidenced that demanding exercise regimes provided no extra health benefits than gentle exercise, nor did they burn more fat for people trying to lose weight

CHANGE Fitness is being rolled-out as part of Cumbernauld Family Hub, made possible thanks to investment from The National Lottery Community Fund. Family Hub activities are planned to be informal, practical and interrelated, making the learning fun and interactive. In particular, services are tailored to benefit those experiencing difficulties as a result of factors such as poverty, housing problems, relationship issues, lack of educational attainment and unemployment.

Local citizens can also tap into other key resources provided by Cornerstone House Centre through the Family Hub. Examples of free activities currently provided include Bookbug, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Living Life to the Full.

For further details, please contact Cornerstone House Centre on 01236 739220 or email familyhub@cornerstone-house.org.uk. The organisation can also be contacted via its Facebook page or using this online contact form.  

Click Here to View Cornerstone House Centre’s CHANGE Fitness Programme Information Poster