Couch to 5k Programmes Launched

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has organised two ‘Couch to 5k’ programmes 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” initiatives are funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) as part of the Healthy Towns programme and is aimed at people aged 18 and over who find taking exercise difficult.

The free 12–week programmes will commence on Wednesday 8 January 2020 at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen and Omagh Leisure Complex at 6.00pm. All sessions will last for one hour.

The programmes 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.

Launching details of the ‘Couch to 5k’ programme, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie said;

“The health and wellbeing of all the residents of the district is a key theme of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Community Plan 2030 and the Council is committed to improving the health and well-being of all our residents. The Council is once again delighted to be working in partnership with the PHA to deliver this programme aimed at encouraging people to take those first important steps towards a healthier lifestyle.”

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, the programme is a practical example of the how the Making Life Better Public Health framework is being applied at a community level.”

For further information or to register for the ‘Couch to 5k’ programmes 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. Registration is available from Monday 2 December 2019.

Participants must complete a health screening assessment before admission to the programme.

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