New Year, new hobby?
Written by Liz Mattock
As we welcome in 2018 it’s out with the old and in with the new for many of us, pledging to get fit, eat healthy, live less stressful lives or take up a new hobby and stick with it. We’re here to help with ideas for people wanting to start the New Year off on the right foot with our ideas for new hobbies and health kicks across the East…
Push the pedals in Bedford
Bag a decent road bike and cycle the New Year in and burn off some of those Christmas calories at the same time. Join a cycling club. Bedford has quite a few clubs, including Bedfordshire Road Cycling Club located in Cardington. There are events for kids, adults, beginners and pro and with membership starting from just £5, it’s a cheap and fun way to get active and meet new people in 2018. For more information visit https://www.bedsroad.org/index.php or contact the club via the online email form.
Cook in Cambridge
So, you have finished off the fourth tub of chocolates, you’re cheesed off with cheese and your blood sugar has hit the ceiling thanks to all those candied fruits and sweets – you have now vowed to eat healthy. Why not sign up to a healthy eating cookery course? With different courses, most days of the week from, ‘food for wellbeing’ to ‘gloriously gluten free’, enrolling in a course which lets you get hands on could keep you on the right track. Check out http://cambridgecookery.com/cook/classes/ and see if anything tickles your taste buds. All the dates and courses can be found on the online calendar and you can get more information by emailing [email protected].
Tee off in St Ives, Cambridgeshire
Tee off in style at St Ives Golf Club in 2018. Did you retire in 2017 or perhaps you are just looking for a new hobby in the New Year – make golf your thing! Membership fees are charged depending on age and experience. Starting from £30 for a cadet membership and £765 for a full membership, which entitles the member to 18 holes, practice facilities, tournaments, well supported ladies and senior sections, in club matches and professional shop for all your golfing needs. Visit http://www.stivesgolfclub.co.uk, call 01480 499920 or email the club manager at [email protected]. Application forms are also available online.
Battle it out in a military class, various locations
British Military Fitness may sound like something not for the faint hearted, however you couldn’t be more wrong. With weekday and weekend one hour sessions taking place at hundreds of parks across England, Scotland and Wales all led by ex-military men and women to get the most out of your fitness abilities, it’s a fantastic place to make new friends and improve your fitness level without the restraint of the gym.
All the answers to your questions can be found at www.britmilfit.com and at the moment you can even take advantage of a free session. Using a mixture of running, HIIT and military style training it really is serious fun without even having to say ‘Sir, yes sir!’ – we can’t promise there won’t be a few press ups though!
Chill with yoga in Chelmsford, Essex
Looking for peace of mind, body and soul? Look no further than Yoga at the Mill. Classes are designed for everyone of all ages. Become a ‘yogi’ over a six week course which will help you strengthen your core muscles, relax your mind and improve your overall mental and physical health. If you are a gym-goer or runner already, yoga could benefit you too, as research shows that people who practice yoga are less likely to develop a sports related injury. In addition, the Mill offers yoga for anxiety, sleep and relaxation. Classes are even tailored to young people who might be experiencing exam stress. For more information visit www.yogaatthemill.co.uk
Walking groups in Norfolk
Join a walking club – it’s as easy as putting one foot in front of the other! Visit Ramblers online at /www.ramblers.org.uk/norfolk for a full list of walking groups that anyone of any age or ability can join. Why not join more than one? There are groups that cover Fakenham, Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, Norwich and Sheringham; so whether you fancy a coastal stroll or a rural ramble there is something to suit everyone.
Become mindful in Peterborough
Remember mental health is just as important as physical health and one of the most popular relaxation techniques people are turning to is mindfulness or tuning into the now. According to Dr Andrea Woods and Jennifer Cramb, the creators behind a new eight-week programme in Peterborough, say: “learning mindfulness practices and principles will not make the everyday challenges disappear, but it can help us to step off the treadmill out of the daily flow of demands to create a fresh perspective.”
The next programme will start 16 January at West Town Primary Academy, Peterborough. The course will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm – 8.00pm. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/breathingspacepeterborough.
