Spring into action

"Whether you're 16 or 60, it's always a good time to start a new health and fitness programme." Words by Move More Jersey

Within every challenging situation lives a silver lining; an opportunity that enables us to learn, grow and transform our mindset. For many islanders, the global pandemic has brought about a renewed sense of appreciation for our beautiful landscape and an increased desire to make the most of our lives by adding in more daily outdoor activity.

Spending time in nature boosts mental wellbeing and emotional health. It improves our mood, reduces feelings of stress, can improve confidence and self-esteem and brings a sense of calm and relaxation. Being outdoors with friends, activity groups, or colleagues provides support, social interaction and helps create new connections.

Outdoor exercise, such as walking, jogging, running, cycling, and sea swimming, all have various health benefits. Regardless of age, background, ability, shape or size, everyone can experience the benefits of physical activity. Exercise helps to manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles and improve brain health. Whether you're 16 or 60, it's always a good time to start a new health and fitness programme.

We believe everyone should have easy access to affordable physical activities and the proper support at the right time. That's why, throughout the pandemic, we've been committed to adapting our classes to online Zoom sessions, continuing our outdoor programmes around Government guidelines, and planning new programmes and activities.

Have you ever heard of Sporteering? Islanders can use their smartphone's GPS navigation system to access various walk, run and cycle routes around Jersey via an app on their mobile. In addition to Sporteering, we've launched a selection of selfguided walks and cycle routes that can be followed from a downloadable PDF or via the Komoot app. It's a great way to explore new areas of the island rather than sticking to what you know. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is always a good thing.

We'll soon be launching a new RunTogether programme, which will support non-runners in learning to run, boosting their confidence and fitness, and enabling them to achieve more of their running-based goals.

Once June arrives and the sea temperature warms up, we'll be encouraging islanders to take a dip in our beautiful bays across the island – experiencing the soft sand of Beauport to the pink sunrise glow at Anne Port. The 30 Bays in 30 Days initiative has seen a massive increase in the number of people sea swimming. With lockdown, remote working and pools being closed over the last 12 months, we've also seen more people taking up sea swimming and continuing throughout the autumn and winter.

With more and more islanders using their bikes for family rides, commuting and fitness, Move More Jersey have been instrumental in supporting people who lack the confidence to ride a bike to get started. We offer Learn to Ride cycling courses for people who, for whatever reason, never learnt to ride a bike or who have felt too nervous to ever try. One of our participants, Jan, said: "It was so lovely to meet other people just like me. The course took us through everything in baby steps, starting with how to correctly fit your helmet and checking tyres, brakes and chain before starting to ride. Laura and her team were so lovely; I never felt stupid or left behind."

All our physical activity programmes, including the weekly Move More Health Walks and cycle rides through HSBC Breeze Jersey and HSBC Guided Rides, could not happen without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Volunteering with Move More Jersey is a great way to add more physical activity into your weekly routine whilst helping make a huge difference to other people's lives. Now we're enjoying lighter mornings and longer days; it's the perfect time to add more outdoor activity into your day to reap the physical and mental health benefits. Why not challenge yourself to walk, run, cycle or swim somewhere new each week? Or team up with a friend or work colleague, set some goals and use each other for accountability and inspiration. As the island's larger sporting events, charity walks and races are once again allowed, we predict, and hope for, a considerable increase in participation and support from islanders, and that's something we're looking forward to. 

For more information, inspiration and motivation about moving more, please visit www.movemore.je

Sporteering: https://bit.ly/GoSporteering

Self-guided walking routes: https://bit.ly/MMselfguidedwalksJSY

Self-guided cycle routes: https://bit.ly/MMcycleroutes

Cycle Without Limits: https://bit.ly/CycleWithoutLimits

HSBC Breeze Jersey and HSBC Guided Rides: http://bit.ly/CycleMore

Volunteer roles: https://bit.ly/MMJVolunteer

Move More health walks: http://bit.ly/MMHealthWalks

Move More Adult Classes: http://bit.ly/MoveMoreClasses