Health & Fitness Advice
March 17, 2022

Move More and Feel Better - This Girl Can

move-more-and-feel-better-this-girl-can

Thursday, 17 March 2022

Move More and Feel Better - This Girl Can

Did you know that physical activity not only keeps you fit and healthy, but it can also boost your mood and help emotional wellbeing?

When you try something new, you may get that nervous feeling: butterflies in your tummy, sweaty palms and a million reasons which make you think, “Oh, I shouldn’t try it!” or “Well, I won’t be any good at it!”.

Starting a new activity can feel daunting and scary for most, but remember:

Everyone starts as a beginner. No one is an expert at first.

Finding a physical activity that you love will not only motivate you to stay consistent and improve your fitness, but you could end up making the greatest, like-minded friends.

Did you know physical activity can improve your mental wellbeing? Research shows that exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, making you feel more energetic increasing overall happiness.

When joining a class or group activity, you share your experiences, goals and achievements with others; this keeps you on track and helps you stay enthusiastic and focused. Social support helps to motivate you to be your best version of yourself!

Fact: Participation in regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety.

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, physical activity also releases cortisol which helps you manage stress. Once you’re up, moving and trying something new, your brain has to focus on it, which can be a fantastic coping strategy, especially if you’re going through a tough time.

It can sometimes feel like there are barriers in your way, especially when you’re starting out—for example, cost, fear of failing or illness. Getting support can help you gain momentum and keep it up! If you’re worried about your body image or feeling self-conscious or judged, consider female-only sessions or attending with a friend. Wear clothes you feel comfortable in and focus on how fantastic you’ll feel after doing a workout. If you are worried about the cost, at Active Luton, we offer Go4Less cards where you can access discounted rates for all activities in our centres, including swimming and group fitness.

Exercise can also help you sleep better so you can wake up feeling rested and energised for the day ahead. Even short bursts of physical activity can help regulate your sleep patterns.

It’s time to feel better and move more confidently (while having a good time!).

We run This Girl Can Classes at Active Luton, perfect for those who have taken a break from physical activity, new to it or simply wanting to try something new.

What are This Girl Can Classes?

A beginners programme where getting it wrong is half of the fun. Whether you miss a beat, laugh along or forget your lefts and rights, we can assure you there’s really no wrong way to do it.

What can you expect?

  • You will have the full support of the instructors, so you can build confidence and increase your fitness levels whilst having a laugh and a bit of fun!
  • Go at your own pace. Move like no one is watching. There’s no pressure to be perfect; explore what works for you.
  • If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one, but we’re all in it together. You’ll likely be laughing together in no time.
  • 45 minutes of varied activity, including a gentle warm-up, two short blocks of exercise, with an interval in between. Each main block of activity will be different each week. Towards the end of the class, you’ll be guided through a cool down and enjoy a minute of mindfulness, giving you a chance to unwind and take five minutes just for you.
  • Before you leave, there will be the opportunity to chat about the class with others and the instructor about how you found it.

What should I wear and bring?

  • Bottle of water
  • Wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in (not jeans)
  • Trainers

How do I book?

You can book these classes online, via the Active Luton app, by telephone or directly at reception.