NOW that the nights are darker, it’s easy just to curl up and hibernate over winter. But Sport Powys is encouraging the county’s residents to keep moving.
There are lots of good reasons why we should stay active in the colder months. Not only is it good for our physical health but it can also help our mental health. Exercise releases endorphins which are our feelgood hormones and it is also an opportunity for us to be part of a community and ward off loneliness and isolation.
And, in Powys, there are plenty of opportunities to find a way to keep moving that suits you.
To find ways to get active on your doorstep, visit Let’s Go Powys/ Amdani Powys. The website has been designed to make it easier for people to find sports and activity opportunities across the county.
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration to get moving, why not…
Try Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a great way to improve your balance and coordination, which is particularly important as we get older and are more prone to falls.
Head to the warmth of the Community Barn in Presteigne to have a go and benefit from this gentle physical exercise.
Pick(le) up a paddle?
It’s the sport that’s taken the world by storm. Pickleball is described as a mix of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It’s low impact, easy to learn and lots of fun. Plus, it can be played indoors.
The number of Pickleball players across the UK has exploded and, if you’ve not tried it yet, why not go along to a Powys pickleball club such as Tawe Pickleball Club in Ystradgynlais or North Powys Pickleball Club in Newtown.
If you spend all week looking forward to the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing, maybe it’s high time you stepped onto the dancefloor yourself?
Make like Vito or Wales’ very own Amy Dowden and head to Luv2Jive who offer classes at Caersws Village Hall. With beginners and intermediate sessions on offer every Thursday – and no need to bring along a partner – it’s a great way to get moving and have a bit of fun.
Do downward dogs this winter?
We can all feel a little sluggish over winter. Throw in some seasonal coughs and colds and we can find ourselves a bit demotivated to keep up our fitness.
If this all sounds a bit too familiar, it’s definitely worth checking out local yoga classes. It’s a gentle exercise that improves balance, coordination and improves your flexibility through stretching.
Explore Powys’ mountains safely?
Maybe you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from the colder weather? Wrap up warm and plan accordingly, and the colder months can be a great time to explore the county’s hills and mountains.
It is important to do it safely though and you can get trained up by Trigpoint Adventures who deliver courses in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
No previous hill walking experience is required to attend a Hill Skills course and it will equip you with the know-how to plan walks, navigate and understand the equipment required.
Forget kettlebells, bring your baby along?
It can be really difficult to find time to exercise when you have young children. But Sweaty Mama in Abergavenny and Brecon may have found the solution.
Its Mamilates, Sweaty Gym and Sweaty Strength sessions are designed for women of all fitness levels to enjoy fun and effective workouts in a relaxed and safe environment – and, yes, you can take your baby!
Not only is it a great way to build your post-natal fitness but it’s also a great way to meet other parents.
Get rallying?
If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a rally driver, then head to the Phil Price Rally School near Knighton.
You’ll find how it feels to slide through corners as you master rally techniques with an expert instructor on hand.
Be bowled over this winter
If you want to keep warm this winter – and get active – head to Severn Valley Indoor Bowling Club.
It runs sessions at the Flash Leisure Centre from October until March and it runs afternoon league matches three times a week for those who are retired. Those sessions are very popular so if you’d like to give it a try, make sure your name is on the list for next year.
There are also evening league matches which are open to all adults and there are still opportunities to play as part of a team. The club encourages anyone interested to pop down and have a chat to the organisers.
Never too old to get fit
Whether you’d like to get fit as part of a group class or one-to-one with an instructor. Future Family Fitness is the place for you.
Nina is a health and fitness specialist with 25 years of experience.
Her motto is that you’re never too old to improve your fitness and her Strength, Balance and Flex course is aimed at those over the age of 55.
Nina also offers a massage clinic to help you with any aches and pains.
However you want to be active, make sure you make time to move. Head to Let’s Go Powys for more inspiration and opportunities.