Exercise

If you have read about or had conversations about improving your emotional wellbeing, chances are that you might be familiar with the idea that frequent exercise can improve your wellbeing. 

What we would like to mention here is that this doesn’t have to be anything strenuous or high effort. It’s important to remember that many physical and mental health conditions can make exercising not only daunting but also inaccessible. If, for example, you are not able to leave your house, there may still be small things you can do to keep parts of your body moving. These smaller activities are as valid and important as any other form of exercise in terms of looking after your wellbeing.

We would encourage you to think about what’s right for you, and to do what makes you feel comfortable. Everyone will have vastly different goals and abilities when it comes to exercise, and that’s okay.

Keep reading below to find out more about available services and resources for sport and exercise.

It is recommended that adults should do at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week, through a variety of activities, this can include strengthening and flexibility, walking and aerobic exercise (to name a few). Why not try;

• Yoga

• Pilates

• Running/jogging – have you tried the popular Couch to 5K programme which provides tools to get you started to running 5K – Get running with Couch to 5K – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

• Taking a walk – why not have a look at the walking for health website which provides lots of great tips Walking for health – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

• Cycling

• Swimming

There are lots of benefits to fitting in exercise into your daily routine such as:

• Improved mental health and wellbeing

• Improved mobility

• Reduction in risk to developing long term health conditions

If you would like to find out more about how to start exercising there are lots of resources online and in your community that can help you. British Blind Sport are a great starting point and have many accessible online classes such as Yoga and Pilates find out more here

British Blind Sport

British blind sport logo

Active at Home Programme and Online Resources

British Blind Sport have worked with inclusive trainers to develop programmes to keep you healthy and active from the comfort of your own home. The Active at Home Programme has a variety of workouts to chose from such as Yoga, Strength, Dance, Gentle exercise and YouTube videos that you can do in your own time.

British Blind Sport also have an Activity Finder where you can search for other activities for people living with a vision impairment in your area, that are suitable for all different levels. A great way to do more exercise, improve your health and to meet new people.

Vision Support

Vision Support logo.

Bowls Group

Vision Support currently have one exercise based group in Cheshire which is our Bowls group. Please click the following link to find out more about our social groups

Below we have compiled a collection of other charities that focus mainly on sport and exercise for people with a vision impairment.

Live Well

NHS Live well logo.

NHS

This webpage has great tips on how to strengthen muscles, improve fitness and handy guides including the Couch to 5K.

It also includes information on subjects such as mental health, healthy weight, exercise, sleep and tiredness, eating well , alcohol support, quitting smoking, healthy body and sexual health find out more here

Torchwood Bowling Club

Bradley Park Bowling Club logo.

Wrexham

If you have a vision impairment and would like to enjoy a game of bowls whether you are new to the sport or have tried it before then the Torchwood Bowling Group would like to invite you to join. The group meet at the Bradley Park Club near Wrexham. The group meet in all weathers from April through to September.

You can get in touch by calling 01978 855586.

Ffit Conwy

Ffit Conwy logo.

Conwy

Health and Fitness facilities and activities in venues throughout the Conwy Borough. You can visit the Ffit Conwy Website to find out about memberships and various timetables or you can call 01492 575900 or email hamdden.leisure.conwy.gov.uk

Waterworld

Freedom Leisure logo.

Wrexham

Leisure and Activity centre

Waterworld is the Health and Fitness centre in Wrexham which provides different leisure services such as swimming, classes and different gyms. To find out more about what’s available and when you can visit their Information Page or call them directly on 01978 297300

Brio Leisure

Brio Leisure logo.

Cheshire

Brio Leisure is a Health and Fitness centre in Cheshire which provides different leisure services such as gym, fitness classes and swimming. You can get in touch by calling 01244 380444 or emailing Northgate@brioleisure.org and you can also visit the Brio Leisure Website for more information.

Active Halton

Active Halton logo.

Halton

Health and Fitness centres in Halton which provides different leisure services.

To find out more visit the Active Halton Website

Fresh Air Fridays

Fresh Air Fridays logo.

Walking Group

Community walks in Wales and England to help you unwind.

 Fresh Air Fridays are 2.5 – 3 hours long and are run on a monthly basis their Session List shows the different locations and instructors you can book in with and also includes online sessions. There is a cost to these sessions which at the time of writing is £30. Please contact Fresh Air Fridays on 02920 892 783 or email info@freshairfridays.co.uk for the most up to date information.