Residents of all ages are being encouraged to take positive steps towards being more active through initiatives supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

A variety of council-funded programmes aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents have been launched with activities ranging from strength and balance classes to guided bicycle rides. 

Working with external partners, the programmes aim to increase the number of people in the borough being active and help people feel more connected and involved. 

Weekly Good Gym sessions, fully supported by the council, focus on volunteers walking, jogging and cycling to help community projects and isolated people. It’s free to join and open to all adults regardless of fitness level. 

New mums can also take advantage of a low-cost 12-week post-natal exercise class to help repair, restore and rebuild the body safely after pregnancy and give new parents the opportunity to meet. Classes are offered on a pay-as-you-go basis. 

The council partners with charity Sport in Mind to offer free sport and physical activity opportunities for children and young people aimed at building confidence and self-esteem and making new friends. The weekly sessions are open to people or all abilities and run during term-time in Tadley. 

Young people with additional needs can also benefit from Inclusive Champions fitness sessions, run in partnership with Serco, at Basingstoke Aquadrome. 

A new cycling initiative was launched this summer called Ready to Ride, which involved free pop-up events focusing on removing barriers to cycling and empowering more residents to choose active, sustainable travel as part of their everyday lives. More events are planned for the springtime.? 

The council, with funding support from Hampshire County Council, also helps older adults who are at risk of falling to build their strength and balance through steady and strong classes. These sessions are led by qualified postural stability instructors to help improve strength, balance, flexibility and confidence. 

Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “These are fantastic opportunities to help people feel more confident in being active and building a healthy lifestyle.  

“We have received some really positive feedback from the programmes so far with people saying they have noticed improvements in their fitness and confidence levels and some saying they feel less isolated and happier. 

“It is part of our new Active Wellbeing Strategy to help empower residents to look after their health and wellbeing and I encourage people of all ages to learn more about these programmes and give them a try.” 

Residents can sign up to local health and wellbeing programmes at www.Basingstoke.gov.uk/current-health-initiatives.