Fun and affordable local fitness sessions from Active North Herts

‘Do more exercise’ always makes an appearance on my New Year’s resolutions list and I expect it’s on most of yours too. Exercise is important for keeping your mind clear and your body healthy but it isn’t always easy fitting it into your hectic parenting schedule. If hitting the gym three times a week just isn’t a realistic goal for you as a mum, how about starting with one exercise class a week that costs just £2? Doing something, however small, is better than doing nothing at all.

Active North Herts is a fantastic local organisation that offers weekly Buggycise, Ladies Only Bootcamp and Active Families sessions in Letchworth and Hitchin. There’s no need to book, just turn up, have fun and get fit. Classes run outside in the warm summer months and move indoors when it’s colder.

Take the first step to a fitter you

“It’s all about taking the first step,” says Sam Halbert from Active North Herts. “We know how scary it can be, moving out of your comfort zone and attending a new session for the first time. Once you’re there, you’ll love it and you’ll want to come again.”

Who attends the sessions?

“All of our classes are designed for those who don’t regularly participate in exercise,” says Sam. “There are plenty of ladies who were very nervous the first time around, but they keep coming back.”

The sessions are fun and sociable, with many of the ladies becoming friends. Jackie, the instructor, enjoys seeing the ladies’ confidence growing each week. “They tell her how much better they feel after the session, and how much their mood and outlook on life has changed,” Sam says. “Exercise is the best medicine for a positive mood. Doing a class as simple as this can be a real achievement and makes you feel good about yourself.”

Classes are stripped back to basics. There is no complicated gym equipment or routines. The exercises are simple but effective.

If you still need a bit of persuading

“Find out what it is that makes you want to make the change,” advises Sam. “Imagine yourself further down the line. Do you want to get a little bit fitter so that you can run around with your kids? Do you want to lose weight? Destress? Take the first step and come to a class, it’s never too late.”

The logistics

Ladies Only Bootcamp (for building up your fitness) runs every Thursday at 9.45am at the Icknield Centre in Letchworth. Cost is £2.

Buggycise (for toning up after pregnancy) runs every Tuesday at 10am at the Icknield Centre in Letchworth. Cost is £2.

Active Families (multisport activities designed for you and your children) runs two classes on Thursdays, at 1pm at St Johns Community Centre in Hitchin and at 2pm at the Central Methodist Church in Letchworth. Cost is £1.

Sessions have been so popular that Active North Herts is planning a new outdoor Boxercise class to start next summer so there’s even more good stuff to look forward to.

Have you been to an Active North Herts class? Let us know in the comments below.

For more information on classes, please visit the Active North Herts website.