BRIGG FOLK ADVISED TO HAVE A HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Taking part in Dry January is a good way to kick-start 2015 if you want to start improving your health, Brigg people are being advised by North Lincolnshire Council.

But the authority says it shouldn’t end there. Becoming healthier is a long-term commitment that can be life-changing for many people and help improve the mind and body. To help get you started, North Lincolnshire Council is giving away a month-long fitness pass to one lucky winner.

All you need do to be in with a chance of winning is like the council's Facebook page: Facebook.com/northlincscouncil and they will select the winner at the end of January.

The one-month pass, available to use from February 2015, is worth £38 and includes:

• Unlimited use of the gym
• Group fitness classes as shown on the timetable – visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/leisure
• Casual swimming and programmed pool sessions (excluding lessons)
• Use of squash court for racket ball and squash – limited to one court per evening (peak times)
• Use of Badminton court for badminton, short tennis and table tennis at off peak times (Monday to Friday before 4pm, Saturday/Sunday all day)
• Activity – booking eight days in advance
• Membership valid at all North Lincolnshire Council leisure centres, including the Ancholme one which serves the Brigg area.

Terms and conditions apply and you must be aged 17 plus.

Here’s a few examples of how you can help keep your mind and body in tip-top shape:

• Be Active: exercise doesn’t have to be an assault course. Try walking in the park, yoga, cycling or a social game like football or tennis. Exercise lifts your mood and makes you feel good about yourself. The council organises lots of activities to suit all abilities, ages and tastes.  Find an activity you enjoy and stick to it by making it part of your routine.
• Keep Learning: learning a new skill can give you a sense of achievement and confidence in your strengths and abilities. Try something new – a cooking class, new language, learn how to play a musical instrument fix your bike or car.
• Give to others: this could be the simplest of acts from a smile, a thank you or giving a complement. Engaging in voluntary work is a bigger act and a great way to improve your mental wellbeing and help you meet new people.
• Relationships: invest your time in connecting with your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Being social with others is a natural part of our lives – it’s great for wellbeing too.
• Take notice: also known as ‘mindfulness’ is a great way of positively changing the way you feel about life and new challenges. Take in your surroundings, especially when you are in green space; take a moment to feel the breeze, smell the beautiful flower or listen to your surroundings – you’ll feel better!
• Have some ‘me’ time: it’s important to take time out for you, even if it is just 15 to 30 minutes a day. Find something you enjoy that is calming and will help relieve the stress and worry of daily life. This could be listening to your favourite music, have a relaxing soak in the bath, reading, exercising, watching TV, gardening – anything that helps you relax and is enjoyable.

For more details about being and staying active, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/beactive

Brigg & Wolds' Coun Carl Sherwood, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport and Leisure at North Lincolnshire Council, said: "Now that the festivities are over, there’s no better time to start as you mean to go on by adopting a healthier lifestyle. There are countless benefits of exercising including making you feel more positive, giving you more energy and helping burn the excess calories you may have put on by over indulging over Christmas and New Year. Our fantastic offer of winning a one-month free fitness pass to use at any of our leisure centres should help give you the push you need to kick start the new you.

“It is all about changing your mind-set and having the willpower to stick to it. Think about what changes you would like to make in your life, e.g. lose weight, eat more healthily or start exercising. Then plan how you are going to achieve that. Do your research to find out what activities and classes are available to help get you started and off you go. Don’t give up at the first hurdle. Expect ups and downs, but mostly ups! And change your routine regularly to keep you interested. The benefits are fantastic – you can change your body shape, improve the mind and have a more positive outlook on life. Visit our website to find an activity that suits you and one you think you’ll enjoy. Give it a go and if you don’t like it, try something else until you find something you do enjoy. Whether you like exercising alone or with others, there is something there for you.

“Exercising is one key part to helping improve your body and mind. There are lots of other things you can try like joining a social group, volunteering, learning a new skill or simply keeping in touch with family and friends. Whatever it is, no more excuses – just do it.”