National Fitness Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of health and fitness! Last year we inspired more than 10 million people across the UK to be active on the day and we need you to help us beat it!

How do I get started?

Adaptive Bikes session

Following up our last blog I am excited to announce I have invested in a walking pad to use in my office to increase my activity is a mini treadmill aiming to get to a point of increasing activity and maybe event run!

I was very ,much looking forward to this session and to see how adapted bikes will fit with my own health issues, I hope you enjoy the blog !

In the midst of dealing with joint pain due to menopause, I stumbled upon a unique opportunity that promised both relief and enjoyment: adapted bike sessions. These sessions offer specially designed bikes for people with disabilities or mobility issues, and I was eager to see if they could provide the comfort and reenergizing experience I desperately needed. Little did I know, this experience would not only cater to my physical needs but also bring about a sense of camaraderie and joy akin to a holiday adventure.

With a mix of curiosity and hope, I attended my first adapted bike session. The array of bikes available was impressive, each designed to accommodate different needs and preferences. As someone who struggles with joint pain, finding a comfortable and supportive bike was crucial. After some trial and error, I discovered a bike that felt just right, offering the perfect balance of support and ease of movement.

Once I started pedaling, I immediately felt a wave of relief. The smooth, controlled movements allowed me to exercise without exacerbating my joint pain. I completed several laps around the track, each one invigorating me more than the last. The physical activity, coupled with the comfort of the adapted bike, left me feeling reenergized and more alive than I had in a long time.

The session wasn’t just about physical relief; it also provided a delightful social experience. Among the participants, there were several who tried tandem bikes. Watching them ride together, laughing and chatting, brought a sense of holiday spirit to the session. The tandem bikes created an atmosphere of teamwork and shared joy, reminiscent of carefree vacation days.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the session was seeing a young person join us for the first time. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it was clear they had found a new passion. As a follow-up, this young participant will be joining the regular bike sessions at the local sporting village. Witnessing their excitement and knowing they had found a supportive community to engage with was truly inspiring.

My experience with the adapted bike sessions was nothing short of transformative. Not only did I find a physical activity that accommodated my joint pain, but I also discovered a sense of community and shared joy. The combination of comfort, exercise, and social connection left me feeling reenergized and more optimistic about managing my menopause symptoms. Whether it’s the thrill of riding tandem bikes or the simple pleasure of a solo lap, these sessions offer something special for everyone. I’m already looking forward to my next ride, eager to embrace the joy and comfort that adapted bikes bring.

if you wish to find out more of these session that sports for confidence are running please click link Inclusive Cycling Opportunities Launch at Basildon Sporting Village (sportforconfidence.com)

Embracing the Track: My First Work Health Walk Experience

Introduction: Stepping onto the racing track for a health walk seemed like a distant dream for someone like me, who had been somewhat hesitant due to a past fall (nearly 3 years ago), menopause, some other health issues and a sedentary lifestyle. Yet, curiosity and a desire to connect with my colleagues outside of work pushed me to give it a try( Also organizing the walk!). Little did I know that this experience would not only invigorate my body but also enrich my social connections and sense of adventure and the want for more!

A reluctance start: At first, the idea of walking on a racing track filled me with apprehension. I was, in my mind going to go to cheer people on and welcome them to the first activity, my lack of physical activity over the years made me doubt my ability to keep up with others and in this role I have thought long and hard about what does that mean to me, and also my future health. The fear of embarrassment gnawed at me, but the prospect of bonding with my colleagues outside the office was too enticing to ignore.

Taking the First Step: Having a slow start and with rain I soon found myself talking and walking , at the racing track, trying to quell the nerves that threatened to overwhelm me. As we began our walk, I couldn't help but notice the vibrant energy that permeated the air. The sound of laughter and friendly banter echoed around me, easing my tension and making me feel like a part of something bigger than myself.

As we walked, I found myself struggling to keep pace, more than once, breathless, with my more physically active colleagues. Doubt crept in, and for a moment, I considered giving up. However, I could see how they slow down for me and various colleagues joined my slower walk at various times so I wouldn't be on my own , reminding me that this journey was not about the fastest, or longest, but to increase activity, but about personal growth and camaraderie.

With each step, I felt a newfound sense of liberation wash over me. The rhythm of my breathing synchronized with the rhythmic pounding of my feet against the track ( or dragging I am not sure!) , grounding me in the present moment. Surrounded by nature's beauty and the company of my colleagues, I rediscovered the joy of movement and the simple pleasure of being alive, I wasn't feeling so breathless anymore, ( maybe my brain telling me I could not do as much as did!).

As we walked, conversations flowed effortlessly, bridging the gap between colleagues and friends. I learned more about my colleagues, passions, interests, and life experiences, deepening our connection beyond the confines of teams, or the office walls. Shared laughter and shared struggles brought us closer together, fostering a sense of unity, mutual support and understanding .

As we reached the end of our walk, I felt a incredible sense of accomplishment washed over me (my little own personal secret celebration! (albeit not o secret now). Despite my initial doubts and fears, I had conquered the track and emerged stronger, both physically and mentally. The fall that once haunted me now seemed like a distant memory, overshadowed by the triumph of overcoming my limitations and embracing new experiences.

My first work health walk on the racing track was more than just a physical activity; it was a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and camaraderie. Through moments of doubt and triumph, I learned the power of stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing life's adventures. And as I walked away from the track that day, I carried with me not only memories of laughter and friendship but also a newfound appreciation for the strength of the human spirit.

One of my colleagues mentioned another walking project at the track I found myself getting home and emailing to ask when can I join in!

Join us in our next Activity for more fun and inspiration, I see a very un-coordinating person trying to do some racket sports too! 23rd of May at 6:30 pm in Brentwood and subscribe to the page for more updates, activities and to follow my little journey !

I feel like I have come a long way, in my physical and mental journey since the picture below, there is been many baby steps to get to this point and this walk was that leap of Faith! this is me at work hosting and event a few days after the fall as I had the carpal tunnel too ( since had surgery in both hands! ) Crutches were not an option!! But as you can see still attending and hosting events !! For those of you that know I don't miss many!!

Welcome to the launch of the Brentwood and Basildon Active Alliance!

This is an opportunity to colleges across different organization to join wellbeing activity session to increase our physical Activity and wellbeing, get together in an informal setting and getting to know each other better and find out more about what is happening with various colleagues and organizations if you wish to or getting to know each other a little better, in a casual and fun way!

We have programmed some activities in partnership with Everyone Active to get started, and we are developing further opportunity with various partners to grown the offer as to cater to a variety of tastes and needs.

Tell us what you want to do!

We have also developed a survey for both NHS staff and Alliance partner to better understand how to support the developed of these wellbeing days but also to help and support new areas of physical activity for organizations and individuals. please fill the survey below

NHS staff Active Alliance survey

Active Alliance Partner Survey

Calendar of Activities.

25 April 2024

23 May 2024

27 June 2024

25 July 2024

We have activities booked all the way to November for the full list see and subscribe on the page.Brentwood and Basildon Active Alliance

Our first activity at the end of the month to join us or to find out more please subscribe to the page for invitations, information and newsletters here Basildon and Brentwood Active Alliance , or for more information email

There is lots of resources on the page to access information, activities, funding and support for Alliance members looking forward to seeing you at the sessions!

maria.medina5@nsh.net

If you’re one of the many people who are looking to improve your health and wellbeing by getting more active one of the best and most accessible ways of doing this is by walking. Walking has been shown to have lots of health benefits and for many people will be the easiest way to work towards the recommended 30 minutes of activity five days a week.

Walking together with other people can be an excellent way to improve both physical and mental health. With that in mind partners in the Basildon and Brentwood alliance have joined up with Basildon Sporting Village to provide a weekly walking opportunity for local people who would like to get more active in the company of other like-minded people.

The walks are a great example of the NHS, local councils, leisure centres and other local service providers working together for the benefit of their local communities.

The sessions are for everyone but the organisers hope that, in particular, health and care staff take the time to join in to support their own health and wellbeing as well as encouraging others in the communities they work in to take steps towards becoming more active.

Basildon Sporting Village has provided their athletics track free of charge each week for the walking session, and want to encourage everyone who comes along for the walks to explore some of the other great activities that take place there.

You can find further information about these walks at see our Calendar or Activities on Brentwood and Basildon Active Alliance .

Our This Girl Can team have launched a new campaign, Let’s Get Out There, which seeks to inspire more women to enjoy the many benefits of being active outdoors.

Research by CPRE, the countryside charity, shows that women, in particular those from culturally diverse backgrounds, face greater barriers to accessing and enjoying outdoor spaces – whether it’s a lack of access or awareness, or not knowing what to expect.

But the many physical and mental health benefits to be gained from spending time in green and blue spaces – from urban parks and canals, to coastal paths and forests – are well documented.

So, with the support of Forestry England, Canal & River Trust and Ordnance Survey, we’ve developed new resources to help promote these benefits.

We're also grateful to have the guidance of the The Countryside Code, which is designed to help you enjoy the outdoors safely.

To read the full article and more information Click here