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What is SAD Syndrome and how can I treat it?

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(SAD) syndrome stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a type of depression that is common in winter.  Typical symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include low mood, lack of energy, sleeping for longer, overeating and not enjoying things you usually do. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.

 

There are treatments that are available such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or light therapy and you can help symptoms by doing a number of things yourself, including:

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Getting Into Strength Training

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The benefits of strength training are endless. Whilst strength and lean mass development is a common desired outcome, the reason for the goal is often different and includes, but, not limited to:

·        Getting Stronger for Competition

·        Improving Athletic Performance

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6 Simple Tips to Improve Sleep Quality

How to Improve Sleep Qualit

 

The quality of your sleep has many impactful effects on your performance, health and day-to-day energy. Here are 6 simple tips for great quality sleep.

1. Keep regular hours: go to bed at the same time every night.  You can’t play catch up one day each week.

2. Sleep in a cool room: by decreasing body temperature and regulating room temperature you can create a good sleeping environment. The ideal room temperature for sleep is just 15-16 degrees.

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Halo

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Halo Fitness is an all-in-one fitness app which helps members to monitor and track their progress in the gym. It is a great tool which is free for members which helps record progress, improve fitness levels and keep members on track with their pre-set fitness plans. Halo allows you to store workouts and even allows your personal trainer to send you workouts and updates. It essentially is all your fitness needs inside one app!

 

This August we are challenging our members to download the Halo Fitness App to set a goal and complete a workout! You can then share your work out with us on Instagram using #HaloChallenge.

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Five Reasons to Enjoy the Benefits of Swimming

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Five Reasons to Enjoy the Benefits of Swimming

 

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From a career in athletics to becoming a World Indoor Rowing Champion silver medallist!

From a career in athletics to becoming a World Indoor Rowing Champion silver medallist!

Carol is an Active Education Project Manager at Active Luton, and told us how she kept active after having a knee injury from a career in athletics to then becoming a World Indoor Rowing Champion silver medallist.

I have been a member at Stockwood Park Athletics Centre forever! I used to run on the track and now I row in the gym. It is one of my favourite places to be. Everyone there is friendly and helpful.

I have always enjoyed sports but my favourite has always been athletics and sprinting. In 2017 my knee was bothering me a lot and when I returned from the European Masters Athletics Championships in Denmark I was told that I needed a knee replacement and to stop running - reluctantly I did. Fortunately, once I stopped running and started doing more work in the gym my knee, though not perfect, improved greatly.

Then one day as I was sitting on the rowing machine waiting for a gym class to start I wondered if there were master’s competitions for rowing, like athletics. I looked it up and found out there were. I thought that was something I could work towards so I went on the British Rowing website and downloaded their beginners programme. That was my starting point.

When you first start rowing, depending on your fitness levels, you could start with 10 minutes, building up to longer sessions, maybe two or three times a week. To begin with you want to work at an intensity which makes you feel like you have done something but not exhausted yourself. Rowing is great for all round fitness. It is low impact with very little stress on the joints. Also, it is a full body exercise, good for lower and upper body and great for making the heart and lungs more efficient.

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Challenge Accepted – my thoughts on SWIMTAG

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This July, Active Luton is challenging its members to swim the 13.25km perimeter of Glastonbury Festival using the FREE swim aid SWIMTAG, available at any of Active Luton’s pools. It’s a great way to get your body moving this summer and keeps you motivated! SWIMTAG allows you to track your performance in the pool and as an added bonus; you could be in with the chance of winning a month’s FREE swim pass during August too!

One of our members, Rebecca, has been using SWIMTAG to track her progress. Here are her thoughts:

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“Active Luton staff have helped me to look and feel good about myself”

I had never stepped foot into a gym before because of the fear that everyone would be really judgemental. But I am now a regular user and go up to five times a week. Since joining Active Luton I have gained a new found confidence within myself and I am starting to love the way I look. My Journey started with me weighing 17stone. I am now 2 months in and have lost a stone already. 

Confidence had always been a huge issue for me, as I would worry people would be judging me. I am now starting to overcome this and feel much better about myself and my image.

Active Luton staff have helped me to look and feel good about myself and they have also given me a new sense of belief in myself too – I now know that I can do it!

I never thought I would enjoy exercise and actually be motivated to lose weight, but I love the staff and general community feel at Inspire and I am more motivated than ever!

 

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“I have made so many new friends”

I have been a member at Active Luton for 4 years now, a friend joined me up. We started going to Aqua Fit classes together, which was funny because I am not the best swimmer, but I went and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it so much, that I haven’t stopped going. Having a work out buddy makes all the difference to your motivation, so when my friend left I was really saddened. I didn’t know what do, but I somehow found the courage to go on my own and now I go to Aqua Fit three times a week and Zenga two times a week.

Marion1

I used to go to the Gym too, but unfortunately I had a stroke so I can’t go any more and I do miss it lots. I particularly enjoyed the rowing machine, bike and treadmill but I’m hoping to get back to it soon. I know I can do it! Luckily my stroke was only mild, so I haven’t stopped and haven’t given up, it’s just meant my work out has slightly changed. The staff have been great at advising me on what I can do. My stroke caused a numb leg but otherwise I am okay. My current workout is enough at the moment but I will get back in to that gym!

Marion2

Joining Active Luton has got me out of my comfort zone. I have been a widow for 25 years now and I find it difficult to meet people on my own. This has changed now and I am always out of the house. The people and staff make you feel so welcome. Staff are very polite and not just because they have to be, it’s just who they are, but best of all I have made so many new friends – and people who I wouldn’t have met otherwise.  I’m not great at putting myself forward but there’s just a great bunch of women that come to Aqua Fit and Zenga. We now all go out together outside of exercising too for things such as birthdays. All ages mix and we all have such a laugh. I now have a group of fitness buddies which certainly keeps me motivated!

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When Your Worst Nightmare Comes True

Gym instructor at Inspire: Luton Sports Village, Mursalin, found himself facing his worst nightmare recently when he found his 15-month old son having a coughing fit and turning blue in his sleep.  Until then it was a normal night for Mursalin.  He was enjoying the football when he heard little Eesa coughing and went to check on him.  Of course he panicked but quickly steadied himself having to reassure his distressed wife as well as think calmly what the best course of action would be.

At Active Luton all of our gym staff are qualified First Aiders.  This involves monthly training to refresh knowledge and reinforce crucial life-saving techniques – both for adults and children including infants who may need to be treated differently.

“Despite the panic I felt myself instantly remembering my infant and child resuscitation session with our Training Officer, Leon. I even remembered how he’d corrected the placement of my fingers on the infant dummy when we were learning how to apply chest compressions, “ explained Mursalin.

“I can’t thank the Training Team enough for the excellent work they do – they are so thorough and it helped me save my son’s life.”

Mursalin quickly started chest compressions on advice of the ambulance  crew who took Eesa to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.  It turned out that Eesa had contracted Scarlet Fever causing a sudden, dangerous high temperature resulting in a seizure.  Doctors at the hospital were hugely impressed by Mursalin’s knowledge and expertise in the actions he took and he was proud to tell them that it was all due to his comprehensive first aid training as part of his job with Active Luton.

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“PoolPod has given me some freedom back”

Antoinette would normally find it difficult getting in and out of the pool due to being paralysed from her left side down. But that has all changed since PoolPod was fitted at Inspire: Luton Sports Village. Antoinette talks about the difference that PoolPod has made to her life.

 

I am paralysed on my left side from my waist down; my right foot is also paralysed.

My GP referred me to Inspire: Luton Sports Village for Hydra Health sessions. These sessions were invaluable for me to get some exercise to improve my mobility.

I can’t get into the pool without any assistance so when the wonderful new hoist PoolPod was purchased I was ecstatic.

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“I didn’t know you could feel this good at my age!”

 

Sue explains how Active Luton has kept her motivated during her seven years of being a member in the gym. She also talks about how the staff have supported her by working on personalised programmes to support her when she broke her knee and more recently her wrist.

 

At the end of a (not so fun) night out with friends, I managed to break my Patella (kneecap). This caused me huge mobility difficulties and confidence issues.

After some time my doctor referred me to rehabilitation with a personal trainer at Inspire. Once my rehabilitation was complete and I was on the mend, I decided to stay on with Active Luton because I love the staff and everyone is so friendly with no one judging. I also wanted to continue to get active for my own wellbeing.

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“My journey is about much more than weight loss”

 

Josh follows a strict workout schedule and has lost over six stone in just 9 months. Josh talks about some of the challenges he has been faced with since he started his journey including a fractured ankle, and how he achieves his goals.

Throughout my nine month journey I have lost a huge six stone, but my journey is about much more than just weight loss!

During my journey with Active Luton I have achieved a lot; not only improving my strength but also improving my knowledge of fitness and wellbeing which has helped me to face a few difficult challenges along the way too.

In January 2018 I fractured my ankle which stunted my progression and restricted my movement. But, with guidance from Active Luton staff, and rest, I recovered and fought on to continue my journey and get to where I am now.

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“I no longer feel embarrassed about joining classes and exercising alongside other people”

 

Elaine talks about how getting fit is about more than just exercise, but also about how she had to change her diet too. She discusses the classes which she most enjoys, some of her achievements including a 12 mile swim, and how her general health has improved.

I found myself in my mid-50’s, heavily overweight and suffering with severe arthritis in my knees and a heart condition. Although not life-threatening, this led to me slowing down and not exerting myself through exercise for fear of over-stressing my heart.

Like many of us, I regularly joined gyms and would go for 3 months or so and then give up when I didn’t see the results I wanted. I had very little confidence in myself and how I looked and this led me to comfort eating and not going out.

I was worried that I might show myself up as I couldn’t cope with the exercises due to my size. As my mobility got worse due to the weight, I realised that I needed to commit to changing not only my eating habits, but also my fitness and my health. As I have always been a keen swimmer I decided to join Lewsey Sports Park & Pool and attend Aquafit classes on a regular basis. The last 2 years have literally saved my life. Exercising and a healthier lifestyle have enabled me to lose nearly 8 stone and I am now committed to keeping myself as fit and healthy as possible as I now race towards my 60’s.

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“Active Luton has helped me to face my fears of working out at a gym”

 

Michael was referred to Active Luton through a pain relief programme. Since joining Active Luton Michael has found that his diabetes has improved, as has his strength and he thanks his personal trainer and the supportive staff who have helped him to get to where he is today.

I had been experiencing pain in my feet and legs due to nerve damage related to my diabetes, but I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a Pain Relief Programme. The programme gave me the opportunity to meet caring professionals as well as other people living with various levels of pain. It introduced me to mindfulness and skills of dealing with my pain in a positive way.  Over the past few years, my body has weakened due to lack of muscle, so I decided to take up regular exercise at my local gym.

During my first visit to Lewsey Sports Park, I discussed my health issues and goals with one of the Wellbeing trainers. The trainer was very positive and encouraging and advised me to get a referral from my doctor to enable me to have a 12 week course with a Personal Trainer.

Since then, I have been provided with a varied training programme designed to meet my needs and current ability. It has been hard adjusting to a regular fitness regime as my fitness has declined from being inactive over recent years due to my health.

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“I have now lost over 8 stone, learnt how to swim and have even started my own business”

Kerryann joined Active Luton having a fear of water. She has now overcome that fear, swims twice a week and has lost over 8 stone in the process. She talks about how she has gained confidence since losing weight and what keeps her motivated. 

I started my journey in 2012, when I found myself struggling to walk, due to osteoarthritis in my right knee. I’m not sure what pained me more, my knees or the fact that I was unable to play with my son and take him out to places because of the pain.

I have now lost over 8 stone with the support of my dear trainer and now friend, Sam Read (the Boom Diggy), who welcomed me in her fight fit class with open arms. Sam made me feel like anything was possible, and with that in mind I kept going and going. I have met some amazing people at Active Luton who have encouraged me over the years.

I have also now learnt how to swim with Active Luton. I was terrified of going into the pool, due to a bad experience as a child, but I can now swim and typically swim 5 laps twice a week. I am not a strong swimmer but this is a major achievement for me.

One of the great things about Active Luton is that I love the classes. Active Luton listens to their members when they ask for new classes. Their ‘You Said, We Did’ campaigns are brilliant. The staff are so accommodating, supportive and non-judgemental which was really important for me when choosing a gym to join.

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“My story started after a comment was made by my grandson”

Andy decided to join the gym after a comment was made by his grandson. He talks about this in more detail and explains the differences he has seen in himself since he started exercising.   

It was a lovely summer’s day when I was sitting in the garden with my grandson. With the weather being nice I was sitting with my top off enjoying the warmth of the sunshine when my grandson asked “Grandad, why do you have boobs?” and that was when my fitness story started.

Children are funny - they are so honest and say what they think. Undoubtedly my feelings were hurt and I didn’t want my grandson thinking of me like that. So I decided something needed to be done.

I went along to my local gym, Lewsey Sports Park & Pool, and started my journey. I am now three months in and already have seen such a difference to the way I look, and so has my grandson and my wife!

My self-confidence has boosted. I love coming to the gym. The staff at Active Luton are amazing and the support you get makes such a difference to your motivation to keep you going. It’s funny how I now look forward to coming to the gym when I couldn’t think of anything worse a few years ago.

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“My fitness journey started after having my fourth son. I weighed 22 stone 2lbs”

 

Louise’s story started after having her fourth son. She would struggle to find the energy to play with her four boys so decided enough was enough and that something needed to be done. Louise talks about the challenges she has been faced with and how she now ensures that her and her children maintain a healthy weight.

My fitness journey started after I had my fourth son. I weighed 22 Stone 2lbs. I started going to the gym a few times a week as I was too embarrassed to go to any classes. The team at Lewsey Sports Park were so welcoming and friendly that I settled in quickly after joining. After a few months I decided to give Jackie Neufville’s class at Lewsey a go and I loved it! Once I felt comfortable I started to attend Body Pump with Alex on a Friday morning too. 

Louise 4

I could feel my fitness developing and eventually I started Shane’s classes on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning and I then began Lauren’s Fight Klub at Lea Manor and Legs Bums and bring your Tots class too.

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“I thought this was the end of my fitness career but it was actually just the start”

 

Craig was in the top 20 in the UK for triple jump when he first joined Stockwood Park Athletics Centre. After becoming ill shortly after his athletic career started, what Craig thought to be the end of his fitness career turned out to be just the beginning. He talks us through his journey to becoming a coach and introduces us to some of the stars he now works with.

I was always an active kid at school. Whatever sport there was, I did. You name it, I did it; football, cricket, cross country, tennis, swimming… but there was always just something about athletics.

I first came to Stockwood Park Athletics Centre when I was just 15. My brother was already a member, so I knew some other people that trained there, including a few friends.

When I first joined Active Luton, I started sprinting. I quickly realised I had a passion for jumping and particularly triple jump. Within my first year at the track, I was top 20 in the UK for triple jump. The year went brilliantly until the end of the season came. I started playing college football and within two weeks something went wrong. I found that I couldn’t breathe and I was struggling with any sort of exercise. And it wasn’t just exercise – I could barely walk without losing my breathe. I went to see so many doctors and none knew what was wrong. I found myself having ultra sounds, ECG’s, tests, x-rays; it got so bad that at one point when I was walking, and got home, I had to lie on the floor just to catch my breathe.

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Community Health and Wellbeing for Luton

Our Community Team is a dynamic team working alongside centres and with our Total Wellbeing Health Team to encourage under-represented and inactive groups in Luton to get involved in physical activity and sport.  They provide innovative pathways so that everyone can access their right to be active in ways and places that suit them.

 

As well as the health and wellbeing benefits of being physically active, the Community Team’s work also helps bring communities together with programmes that enhance our social and cultural acceptance of each other.  This all contributes to making Luton a  more cohesive place to live.

 

There are many other benefits to our community sessions – for example reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, decreased drug and alcohol misuse and educating communities to recognise the benefits of living a healthy life, raising aspirations and creating opportunities.  As well as improving health and wellbeing, we’re also creating employment pathways in our leisure centres to better reflect Luton’s diverse community. Often this work in the community takes moths and sometimes years of sustained effort before participants cross over in to mainstream activity.

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Latest Posts

  (SAD) syndrome stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a ty...
  The benefits of strength training are endless. Whilst strength and ...
  The quality of your sleep has many impactful effects on your perfor...
  Halo Fitness is an all-in-one fitness app which helps members to mo...
    Five Reasons to Enjoy the Benefits of Swimming   If you...