Abbeycroft Leisure has recently launched a free, outdoor, fitness programme in Bury St Edmunds, to tackle inactivity and inequality.

Move More Outdoors, is a 31-week programme consisting of two activity sessions a week on Oakes Road Park in Bury St Edmunds and has been made possible with funding from Suffolk County Council and support from West Suffolk Council.

This programme will support the work of Suffolk’s Most Active County partnership and the recent Keep Moving Suffolk initiative to encourage more Suffolk residents to get active.

Following consultation to determine popular activities, the programme launched with a basic, boot-camp and a walking session, with the aim of encouraging the local community who are less active to become more active, by offering free activities in easily accessible locations.

Charlie Potter, Active Communities Manager at Abbeycroft Leisure said:
“We’re excited to be offering this completely free, outdoor programme.”

“We’ve seen a healthy appetite for it already as we’ve been working within the local community, so we hope people will come and give it a try and support it.”

“The sessions are aimed at all abilities and fitness levels and they will be fun and informal. All you need to do is book online in advance via our website.”

Cllr Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Public Protection & Communities, said: “Over recent months the importance of being active for both our physical and mental wellbeing has never been more evident. I am delighted to support the launch of Move More Outdoors, which will provide residents with a fantastic opportunity to come together and take part in regular exercise within their community at no cost. We know that being active will help us to be more resilient to a wide range of health conditions, enabling us to live longer and healthier lives.”

Cllr Jo Rayner, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Community Hubs at West Suffolk Council said,
‘This is exactly the right kind of activity for those wanting a bit more energy and fun. The sessions are sociable, enjoyable, effective, free and local. West Suffolk Council has a corporate priority to support healthy families and communities, and our parks and open spaces have been invaluable for many during lockdown. I’m very happy they can once again host this kind of opportunity.’

To find out more and to book visit https://www.acleisure.com/movemoreoutdoors/