Goodbye lycra, hello shovel

In the search for easy ways to feel great and be healthy at the same time, I came across Green Gym. I was intrigued; I am currently a member of a plainly coloured gym mainly because it’s so cold and dark when I finish work that running outside makes me want my duvet!!

Back to my discovery…Green Gym is a scheme set up by BTCV to improve our own health and the health of that which is green around us, without having to wear lycra or pay a ridiculous monthly fee! We all know that we should try to be healthier and fitter, and we are also becoming increasingly aware of the importance of our natural resources and the environment. Green Gym ticks all the boxes.

Green Gyms are country wide, led by experienced volunteers inspiring you to improve your own health through a range of practical projects that give you the opportunity to tackle physical jobs in the outdoors. The projects you get involved in will improve your strength and stamina, not only this but improve your practical skills and confidence whilst benefiting your local green spaces.

Interested? Here’s how a typical session goes:

On arrival you will together go through some warm up exercises to reduce risk of injury, and then you will be reminded on how to use the tools and discuss the tasks that lay ahead.

Don’t expect to get bored, there will be different jobs for you to try out. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace, they ensure a relaxed environment with plenty of time to chat and learn about the group members.

Along the way you will learn about environment conservation and how to improve your own local surroundings. If you are really interested in furthering your experience in environment conservation and playing a role in improving our climate, you can even set up your own gym scheme close to you.

Refreshments are usually provided, taking a break is important during physical exercise. Sessions run on a week day or weekend morning, take a look for your local Green Gym, they will usually last half a day and include a cool down session to ensure you are relaxed.

It has been proven that gardening and working outdoors combats depression, relieves stress, and improves your mental and physical health – It’s a sure winner, in your area and FREE!!

A little about BTCV

BTCV is a UK wide volunteering organisation helping people to improve and conserve the environment. The charity involves over 200,000 volunteers in improving around 17,000 open spaces. They have been around since 1959; their vision is to create a “better environment where people are valued, included and involved.”

I think it’s a perfect opportunity for all of us to get involved in. Let 100% People know what changes you have made to your life to make you feel fab.