Need some New Year inspiration? Inclusion Matters service have preciously been challenged to get active and we have some top tips from their experiences of increasing exercise.

Chair-based exercise classes and chair-based Pilates classes were delivered via Zoom to service users from across the trust areas. One service user said:

“It was great to try something new.”

We distributed the diagrams pictured (right) and encouraged service users to have a go at some of the moves in the diagram. We suggested that If they didn’t have dumbbells, they could use other items in their home such as just use tins or water bottles!

Service users could also get active at home or in their local community with some using treadmills, exercise bikes and joining a local boccia group. This was designed to work at the service users own pace and ability.

One of our Lisburn service users showed great determination to get more active by joining the gym and walking more. He has been attended the gym most days of the week doing activities such using the running machine, chest press, dumbbell's and sit to stand exercises. He built it up each day to a level that he feels happy with and felt the beneifts. Although, he admits he can be sore he feels like it is worth it for his physical and mental health. He said:

"Getting active has given me something to focus on and has made me feel a bit more independent by keeping at it and trying my best every day".

Other users have been walking, attending personal trainers, and doing basketball. It is hoped they will all continue to stay active and try new things in the future.

Another service user from Lisburn said:

"It gave me the opportunity to take part in and experience different forms of exercise, which I previously didn't think were possible for me. I enjoyed the challenge."

Each of the participants were entered into a draw for a smart watch and Jane was our lucky winner. We hope she uses the smart watch to continue with her activities.

To find out more about Inclusion Matters visit our dedicated page.