Today is UK National Fitness Day - your chance to get in shape along with the rest of the country. See the picture gallery for what’s on offer in Redbridge.
In 2011 almost a quarter of British people were classed as obese, according to official statistics.
It is shocking figures like these which led to the national fitness day being set up, and it celebrates its third year today.
It’s a great day to try out a fun new activity in Redbridge. The Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford is putting on an event to showcase the importance of fitness and diet. There will be yoga and breathing exercises as well as diet advice followed by a light lunch.
The session runs from 11.30am to 1pm at the Oakfield Road theatre.
There are a plethora of other fun activities to get involved with in Redbridge, including windsurfing at Fairlop Waters, wheelchair basketball at Frenford Youth Club and junior futsal at Beal High School in Redbridge.
Fred Newman runs the windsurfing club. He said: “It’s a great way to keep fit. We’ve been going for 25 years and we’ve got people of all ages and backgrounds coming along. It gives you something to do in the fresh air, which you can’t beat.”
Last year, an estimated 6,000 people took part nationwide and Ravi hopes for a similar turnout this time around.
“The gym isn’t for everyone and this is an opportunity to show there are many different ways to improve your health,” he said. While physical fitness is important, the nutritional consultant says exercise is nothing without a good diet. He added: “Modern research shows that it’s better for your body to eat five or six smaller meals during the day, rather than three large ones.
“It helps your digestive system trying to digest a little bit at a time rather than one a few big meals and helps speed up your metabolism.
“That’s where a lot of people go wrong but this is something else we will be exploring with people who come tomorrow.”
Here’s what else you can give a go in the borough.
Wheelchair basketball
Address: Frenford Youth Club, The Drive, Ilford
When: Sundays 12.30pm to 2pm
Cost: £3 per person
Age range: 10 years plus
Give wheelchair basketball a spin at The Jack Carter Centre.
The sessions welcome able-bodied people as well as those with disabilities and you will learn chair control, shooting, passing and catching as well as playing games.
Call 020 8708 0952 with enquiries.
Razza roller disco
Address: Redbridge Sports and Leisure Centre, Forest Road, Barkingside
When: Saturdays until February 2015, 2014, 6.30pm to 7.30pm for adults and under-12s and 8pm to 9pm for adults and over-12s
Cost: £6 per person
Why not head to a different kind of disco on a Saturday night?
The Razza Roller Disco offers lessons to inexperienced skaters with their more experienced counterparts to teach them the tricks of the trade.
razzarollerdisco.co.uk or call 07450 570083 to book a place
Zumba with Jana
Address: Wanstead Library, Churchill Hall, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead
When: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Cost: £5 per class
Age range: 16 plus
You might have heard of the craze, but you can try Zumba out for yourself every Friday with certified instructor Jana Slosarova.
The dance fitness programme has become incredibly popular in the last few years and Wanstead Library holds weekly sessions to whip participants into shape.
Call Jana on 07984 555791 to find out more.
Junior futsal
Address: Beal High School, Woodford Bridge Road, Clayhall
When: Mondays, 6pm to 7pm for five to 11 year olds and 7pm to 8pm for 12 to 16 year olds
Cost: £3 per session
It’s football - with a difference. Games are played on smaller pitches, mainly indoors and with a smaller ball.
The small-sided game was developed in South America and Brazilian superstars such as Ronaldo, Robert Carlos and Denilson have all credited it with improving their football skills.
If you’re still not sure about futsal, check out the video above.
A large emphasis is placed on technical skill, why not try improving your own? Give coach Tony Charles a call on 07017 404720.
Beach volleyball
Address: Loxford Park, Loxford Lane, Ilford
When the weather gets warmer, Loxford Park is the only place in Redbridge to offer beach sports - not bad considering the borough is a long way from any coast.
Unfortunately, the onset of autumn has closed the Loxford Park volleyball courts for the winter, but keep an eye on the council website to see what the courts have to offer in Spring 2014.
Hadri Taekwondo
Address: Caterham High School, Caterham Avenue, Clayhall
When: Thursdays 7pm to 9pm
Cost: £5 per lesson
Age range: Seven plus
Martial arts are on offer every Thursday at Caterham High School.
Throw down some taekwondo moves under the tuteledge of instructor Ehsan Ali, with a free first lesson thrown into the bargain.
Take the opportunity to learn martial arts while getting fit at the same time.
Call Ehsan on 07737 072155 for more information.
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