MIND Partnership at Better York
Better York have partnered up with MIND over the last year to deliver a number of activities, including Aqua sessions, Nordic Walking, Climbing, and Walk to Jog.
The Aqua sessions were delivered at Yearsley Swimming Pool, where participants had the opportunity to experience a dedicated session in the pool that was specific to their individual needs and requirements. The session consisted of exercises that would predominantly be done in a gym based setting; such as leg extensions, squatting, chest exercises and back exercise but using available aids to give more resistance whilst in the water. This created a well-rounded body workout that incorporates the pressure of the water and buoyancy for low impact. The Aqua session was well attended with 15 participants and received excellent feedback
At Burnholme Sports Centre, many participants have taken part in a Nordic Walking course with great feedback from those looking to get outside and experience a different type of exercise. Nordic Walking has been researched thoroughly and with the correct technique can provide a 95% body workout. This course has proven extremely valuable to participants with all experiencing a full body workout particularly the calves, upper back and arms. Weekly sessions at Burnholme Sports Centre and Energise Leisure Centre continue to be well attended.
Climbing is not something that many people have the chance to try so the climbing course at Energise Leisure Centre proved very enjoyable to participants. The course consisted of four classes in which the climbing instructors provided a quiet and supportive environment. This allowed the participants to overcome initial nerves, with all participants successfully climbing to the top of the wall and able to practise holding each other’s falls. By the end of the course, participants had built their skills and confidence to the point the instructors were happy to register them as competent independent climbers. The instructors and participants found the sessions very rewarding and participants seemed keen to continue with their climbing after the end of the course.
The Walk to Jog session was delivered at York Leisure Centre and participants took part in a 10 week programme working towards a 5km goal. The session leaders designed a route around Huntington for participants to walk and jog, with the jogging distance increasing week on week. The focus of the group was to motivate and encourage the participants to continue jogging and adjusting speed when feeling tired. One participant said “I wanted to let you know that I’ve done my first solo jog! I managed 2.62km the first time and on another day I managed a run of 3.45km. I am still jogging and walking like we did in the group but working towards jogging a full route. I am very grateful for the support that has started me off on my jogging journey, and really hope I can keep it up”.