Have fun and get fit this summer

Archived press release

Date Published: 02/06/10

Get fit on the way to work…and still have time to watch the match!

With events like Wimbledon and the FIFA World Cup taking place this month it’s easy to become a spectator. Rather than staying on the sidelines why not do some sport or activity on the way to or from work with the help of Reactivate Bucks? Reactivate Bucks, connects people to hundreds of sports and activities across the county. This month, there are lots of ongoing opportunities to get fit, feel healthy and have fun.

By cycling to or from work you can keep fit and still have time to watch the match! If work is too far why not park half way and cycle the rest? If cycling’s not for you then fit in a walk at lunchtime or on the way home by getting on the bus a stop later.

Walking and cycling your journeys can also help to ‘Change Your World’. You can contribute to the ‘Around the World’ challenge (www.changeyourworld.org.uk), run by Sustrans, by pledging a journey by foot or bike! The challenge runs from 1st June to 4th July. Each journey will help to clock up enough mileage - 24,900 miles - to travel all the way around the world. This virtual journey will take us one step nearer to ensuring everyone can look forward to enjoying healthier journeys, cleaner air, quieter roads and better spaces to live in.

Bike Week is also taking place from 19th to 27th June and there are lots of events taking place across the county for you to enjoy including a lunchtime leisure ride on the Gemstone Cycleways (www.cycleaylesbury.co.uk) on Friday 25th June or the Chilterns evening bike ride on 22nd June. To find an event near you visit the Bike Week Website (www.bikeweek.org.uk).

For those wanting to take part in another challenge on two wheels why not try the Mix 96 Tour de Vale Bike Ride on 13th June? Now in its seventh year, there’s a choice of rides to suit all abilities. They all start and finish at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Buckinghamshire…the home of the Paralympics!

If you’d prefer to take part in a team sport then try one of the Return to Sport Courses. They are run over several weeks giving everyone the chance to build their skills, knowledge and confidence with the help of highly experienced coaches. For David Skinner, a busy professional from Aylesbury Vale, going on a Return to Sport Tennis Course was a great opportunity to unwind after work. “I hadn’t played tennis for 20 years and thought it would be good to start again and be able to do something to get fitter”. After doing a Return to Sport Course, David is playing regularly and enjoying a better work life balance. “The course was a great way to meet new people and by the end of it I could have a proper game and really enjoyed the run around. It was enough to get me playing regularly. I’m hooked!”

A Return to Sport Course offers everyone the chance to build their skills and knowledge in lots of sports ranging from badminton to hockey. In Aylesbury Vale, there’s a choice of Return to Sport Courses on offer, including Return to Badminton at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Return to Jogging which starts at the Swan Pool in Buckingham and also Adult Street Dance at Walton Court Community Centre. For more information see www.reactivatebucks.org .

For those wanting to set themselves a fun challenge, there’s lots on offer this month. There’s the chance to try and beat Andy Murray in our Wimbledon Challenge by doing a physical activity – anything from walking up the stairs to cycling to work – as many times as he plays a set in the singles tournament this month. Simply register with Reactivate Bucks on www.reactivatebucks.org and tell your story to receive a free voucher to play tennis.

Full the latest information on local ways to get fit, feel healthier and have fun see: www.reactivatebucks.org or call 01296 585215.