‘Move More, Lose Weight, Love Life, Feel Great’ with Council Scheme

The team has been helping Ribble Valley residents overcome health and fitness challenges for many years.

Participants in a range of specialist programmes have reported improved mobility, mood, fitness and weight loss, while others say the schemes have helped them manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and combat loneliness.

Activities include the popular seated exercise scheme Best Foot Forward, weight management programme Weigh to Go, cardiac rehabilitation programme Heartwatch and supervised gym referrals. 

Tracy Balko, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s health and fitness officer, said: “Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions.

“People avoid exercise for a variety of reasons, such as they haven’t undertaken exercise for a long time and don’t know how or where to start, have bad memories of PE at school or think the gym will be full of perfect people.

“But our programmes are designed for people of all abilities and our friendly health and fitness team is on hand to help you get started and keep going.”

Carol Cliffe, who attends a weekly Best Foot Forward class at Pendle Club in Clitheroe featuring seated exercise followed by tea and chat, said: “The class gets me out of the house and helps me with physical conditions. Some of the people who attend the class have become good friends.”

Pam Nolan, who has been attending the Pendle Club class twice a week for a year, added: “People at the class have become such good friends that we go on holiday together. I can’t recommend it enough and urge people looking for gentle exercise and friendship to come and join us.” 

Further details about Best Foot Forward and all Up and Active activities are available from Ribble Valley Borough Council on 01200 414586 or upandactive@ribblevalley.gov.uk.