Couch to 5k Programme Launched

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has organised a ‘Couch to 5k’ programme to encourage adults to build up physical activity in a gradual and healthy way with the aim of completing a 5k run/walk.

The “Couch to 5k” initiative is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) as part of its Healthy Towns programme and is aimed at people aged 18 and over who find taking exercise difficult.

The 12–week programme will commence on Saturday 27 April 2019 at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen at 8.00am. All sessions will last for one hour and participation on the programme is free.

The programme will be led by fully qualified Fermanagh and Omagh District Council fitness coaches who will provide professional training, support and advice to help participants achieve the 5k goal.

Colette Brolly, the PHA’s lead for physical activity, said:

“Many of us spend too much time sitting and don’t get enough physical activity. This programme is all about taking the first steps to get up and get active and making a positive change which can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. The great thing about the Couch to 5k, is that you don’t need to be an experienced runner or have a high level of fitness to start. If you’re starting from scratch, you can work with the coaches to progress gradually, achieve your goal and feel the health benefits.

Being active is good for your mental health and can lift mood, reduce anxiety and help to protect against depression. Being physically active is very important in maintaining a healthy weight and can reduce the risk of many diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and colon cancer.”

For further information or to register for the ‘Couch to 5k’ programme please contact Chris Elliott, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, by telephone on 0300 303 1777 (all calls charged at local rate) textphone on 028 8225 6216 or visit www.fermanaghomagh.com. Participants will be admitted to the programme only after completing a health screening assessment.

For helpful tips and advice on getting active please visit www.choosetolivebetter.com.