"More people, more active, more often" – that's the aim of 'Let's Make Falkirk More Active' - a new physical activity campaign that's coming your way.
The aim is to help people take more physical activity, improve their quality of life and long-term health.
The campaign involves Falkirk Council, NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Community Planning Partnership who have signed up to the nationally-set target of getting at least 50% of the whole population to take at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.
That can be anything from gardening to going for a walk to working out in a gym.
The campaign will aim to help people build physical activity into everyday life – like getting up a bit earlier and walking to work or school instead of going by car or going for a workout at lunchtime.
Also involved in the campaign are Active Schools, Circuit Health and Fitness Clubs, Step into Activity, Active Forth, Step Forth, Paths to Health and Walk with Braveheart, to name a few, who can all help people of all ages and abilities get more out of life by:
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choosing an activity they can enjoy doing regularly
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setting achievable goals for physical activity
"It's been proven that keeping active can help people lead healthier, happier lives, "said Councillor Linda Gow, Leader of Falkirk Council." Working in partnership means we can make our resources go much further and help us towards the target of a fitter, more active community."
Read on for more information about:
Babies and toddlers
Being fit can't start too early as the Baby Bunnies at Bo'ness Recreation Centre demonstrate.
Baby Bunnies is a highly successful mother and toddler group which meets weekly at the Centre.
It was founded five years ago by a small group of young mothers who had become friends at the ante-natal clinic.
When they decided to form their own group they approached Bo'ness Recreation Centre to see what could be done. Once accommodation had been organised at the Centre, the group set about acquiring toys and larger play equipment.
They now meet every Friday and have a membership of more than 100 mothers and children.
Theirs is much more to Baby Bunnies than just exercise and fun for the babies and toddlers. Mothers can take advantage of having someone to watch the children and go for a swim in the centre pool or relax over a cup of coffee.
The group have also recruited story-telling volunteers and regularly fund raise for outings and for new play equipment.
Footsteps in the park
Walking is one of the best ways to exercise, keep fit and enjoy the fresh air.
And in Grangemouth's beautiful Zetland Park it couldn't be easier . . . thanks to Footsteps in the Park.
The trail of yellow footprints marks out paths for two walking routes – one of 1.2 km and a longer one at 2km – making it easy for people to work out just how far they have gone.
Footsteps in the Park was launched by Step Forth and Falkirk Council and is already a hit with children and adults.
Depute Provost Allyson Black who officially opened the new Footsteps in the Park routes with help from local pupils, congratulated Step Forth on the project: "Regular walking helps keep you supple and also makes you feel better, lifting your spirits. When you share your walk with others the effects are even more beneficial."
Step Forth is a local walking for health initiative, funded by the national Paths to Health, which aims to get more people to become more active.
Already Step Forth has set up selection of walks in Bo'ness and Grangemouth and hopes to establish them in every town in the Falkirk Council area.
Walks in Grangemouth leave from the Community Education Unit, Grangemouth Sports Complex on:
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Mondays at 10.00am
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Wednesdays at 10.00am
Walks in Bo'ness:
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leave from Bo'ness Recreation Centre on:
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Wednesdays at 10.00am
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Thursdays at 10.30am
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Fridays at 10.00am
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or from Kinneil Museum on:
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Mondays at 10.30am
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Tuesday at 2.00pm
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Thursdays at 10.30am
Outdoor adventure activities
Mountain biking, climbing, kayaking - if it's outdoor adventure you want there's a great choice.
Falkirk Council's Outdoor Activities team offers a range of healthy outdoor activities to suit all ages and tastes for adventure.
Outdoor adventure activity programmes run throughout the summer for both youth and community groups. Group bookings for specific activities can be arranged on request.
Staffed by experienced and qualified instructors, courses and excursions are run throughout the year, suitable for all ages and abilities, including those who are starting out or slowing down.
Sports centres
Check out the great range of activities and facilities at Falkirk Council sports centres where there are classes, clubs and activities for all age groups and abilities.
People with a disability are also encouraged to use Council sport and leisure facilities. Bo'ness Centre hosts the Valley Sports Association for People with a Disability and the Dolphin Club enjoy the facilities at Grangemouth Sports Complex.
Find out what your local sports centre| has to offer.
Social care worker Shirley Anne Marshall shows how its done at the Mariner's Circuit Club.
The Circuit Health and Fitness Clubs| in Bo'ness Recreation Centre, Grangemouth Sports Complex and the Mariner, suit all ages and abilities.
In air-conditioned surroundings you can make the most of your physical activity to a level that suits your needs with the help of fitness professionals on everything from body conditioning to aerobiking.
Tea dancing
It's strictly come tea dancing at the Mariner Centre on Wednesday mornings.
Every week dancing regulars get together at the Marine - under the expert tutelage of instructor Mrs Helen Pentecost - for waltzes, two steps and other ballroom classics.
Left to right: Elizabeth McGregor, Mary Hill, Marion Leadbetter, Margaret Wright, Helen Pentecost, Ella and Gerald Carson,Margaret McIlvanney and William Jack.
"It's the best form of exercise you'll get, "said Mr William Jack of Polmont, who enjoys the classes every week.
After each session the dancers can relax with a tea or coffee and chat upstairs in the Mariner's cafeteria.
Anyone of any age is welcome to come along and learn to dance or brush up their footwork.
Mrs Pentecost, who has been a dance instructor for 14 years, said: "Learning to dance is so much fun, a great way to lose weight and we always have lots of laughter."
If you are interested in joining the Wednesday morning tea dance sessions please contact the Mariner centre, Camelon on 01324 503750.