Physical Activity Taster Sessions

Body Worlds

To kick start keeping fit new year resolutions, Leominster Foyer residents and staff visited the Gunter von Hagens’ Body Worlds – the original exhibition of real human bodies, at the O2 arena in London. Everyone had the chance to see up close preserved human specimens showing skeletons, tendons and veins. It had a special focus on health, well-being and the ageing process. Amazingly there was even an exhibition of smokers and non-smokers lungs, which gave a really visual explanation of the effects of smoking on the human body.

What did Leominster Foyer residents think about their trip to Bodyworlds?

"I would visit London again!"
"I will live my life to the fullest and healthiest."
"I will nurture my body and encourage my children."
"Life can still be explored in death - I know respect my life."
"I will treat my body with respect."
"I will think more carefully about my diet."
"I will remind other residents that the decisions we make about food and exercise will directly impact on our bodies."

To find out more about Gunter von Hagens and his Body Worlds click here: http://www.visitlondon.com/bodyworlds/index

Skiing, Tubing and Luging

Blackburn and Manchester Foyer teamed up for a day’s snowy fun at the Chill Factor indoor ski centre in Manchester. More than 40 people enjoyed a one hour ski lesson before tubing down the slope in a rubber ring and luging, on a bobsleigh track. It had people wanting more!

Dance

A professional dance coach gave a two hour street dance class at Blackburn Foyer. It was such a success, it has now become a weekly activity.

Harlow Foyer residents busted some shapes on the dance floor at the Hip Hop dance class.

What did Harlow Foyer residents think about their dance class?

"I will attend all future sessions and look out for other life skills."
"I will look into hobbies for my daughter and challenge myself more."
"I am going to practice my dance routines and enjoy life more."

To find out more about dance classes in your area click here: http://ceroc.com/nonmembers/

Games day

Get out in the fresh air with Foyer residents and staff and have a giggle over some silly games! Market Rasen Foyer's games day ranged from sack races and relays to goal scoring and ‘ball and spoon’. Everyone had such a laugh that the games went on all day and into the evening.

Rounders

The Rounders taster session at the local leisure centre was such a success, that Market Rasen Foyer staff and residents have kept it up and now play every week, weather permitting! The field equipment is used free of charge and it’s a great way to get out, get some exercise and bond as a team. People’s competitive streak certainly came out!

Kick Boxing

Fancy watching it before you commit to taking part? That’s exactly what Market Rasen Foyer did. Residents watched a kickboxing demonstration at the local hall and then were able to sign up to enroll afterwards.

Harlow Foyer residents has asked for boxing lessons and a punchbag. So a boxercise class was offered to residents to develop their team work and encourage them to exercise.

What did the young people think of their Kick Boxing sessions?

"I will encourage others to attend."
"I am going to practice my moves for the next session!"

Self-defence

Rugeley Foyer residents had the opportunity to try something new, learn about self-defence techniques, fitness and personal safety. It helped to raise their self-confidence and many are now wanting to take up karate. Photos will be posted soon.

Increase in domestic violence in the foyer and Harlow town led Harlow Foyer also ran a Self-defence taster session aimed at the 'Laydezz' group. They also discussed the importance of person safety.

What did the young people from Harlow Foyer think about their Self-defence session?

"I will be careful when I go out alone and will pass information on to others to help them to stay safe."
"I feel a lot safer after listening to new ways to defend myself."
"I will be on my guard and more aware of what's going on around me."

Paintballing

Bristol and Yeovil Foyers teamed up for a day of paintballing in Dorchester. Everyone integrated and played together, and Bristol Foyer won the Yeovil vs Bristol game at the end!
The combination of freedom to run and extreme destruction with a paintball gun proved irresistible!

Swimming

The trip to the local pool went swimmingly for staff and residents from Market Rasen Foyer.

Winter olympics

Market Rasen Foyer’s recent venture was the Physical Well-being week 'Winter Olympics'. A week of fun and games including an assault course, an outdoor treasure hunt, gym activities and a human games machine. To celebrate the end of a brilliant week, staff and residents enjoyed a meal together.

Walking: Pacing for pennies

Four dedicated residents from Market Rasen Foyer joined volunteers from a local surgery in a sponsored walk and kept going on the 6 mile long walk in the rain, to fundraise for Marie Curie Cancer Care charity.

Harlow Foyer also held a sponsored work for Children in Need. The residents planned the route and estimated the time they would take. They were also responsible for writing to the BBC to get a fundraising pack and got sponsorship from as many people as they could.

What did Market Rasen residents think about their sponsored walk?

"I will focus on walking daily to my destinations."
"I will do more for charity events."

To find out about the importance of walking click here: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/exercise/Pages/Introduction.aspx?url=Pages/what-is-it.aspx

Gym inductions

Not all Foyers have a gym on-site, but that doesn’t mean it should be harder for residents to join a gym. Market Rasen Foyer organised for a local fitness instructor to come in to the Foyer to give residents gym inductions.