Explore the great outdoors

EXPLORE OUTDOORS THE GREAT

NEW GIS MAP LAUNCHED TO SHOWCASE OUTDOOR LEISURE AMENITIES ACROSS THE BOROUGH.

EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ARE GREAT WAYS TO HELP YOU FEEL BETTER, BOOST YOUR HEALTH AND HAVE FUN.

That is why our Get Active Community promotes the benefits of physical activity for everyone. Customer safety is the top priority within all our leisure facilities, which is why we have introduced a range of Health and Safety measures to keep customers and staff safe due to Covid-19.

To find out more about safety guidance or what is on offer in your area, visit getactiveabc.com or drop into your nearest leisure centre for friendly advice and guidance. Lockdown has certainly encouraged a renewed love of the great outdoors, with governmental rules allowing for daily exercise during the pandemic, people were able to take time out to enjoy exploring outdoors again. This unique period has had a major impact on the outdoor activity habits of people across the borough, of all age ranges, with many people taking up new hobbies.

We are delighted to see the surge in popularity, and our Outdoor Leisure team are continuing to engage with the public to maintain this new sense of appreciation for our outdoor spaces. We strive to champion our parks and open spaces as positive places to get active in, and to increase awareness about the physical and mental health benefits of participating in outdoor activities.

Our borough has so much to offer local residents and visitors, from Armagh’s Palace Demesne to the wide green spaces of parks in Lurgan, Loughgall and Gosford Forest, to the southern shores of Lough Neagh, with some of Northern Ireland’s best havens for relaxation and recreation, and many hidden gems that make it an ideal destination for an adventurous day out for all the family.

To encourage and inspire people to come and visit, we have launched a Get Active Outdoors GIS Map that enables users to view information on the wide variety of outdoor spaces available across the borough. It showcases all council parks and open spaces, walking and cycling trails, play parks, and outdoor activity facilities, providing access to up-to-date information at the touch of a button.

Our aim is to get everyone active, by using the link to plan their next trip into our great outdoors.

armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/ getoutdoors

TOP 5 REASONS TO GET INVOLVED

EXERCISE CONTROLS WEIGHT GAIN If you’re suffering from ‘lockdown overload’ or just looking to tone up, doing more exercise can help manage excess weight gain. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. But remember any amount of activity is better than none.

EXERCISE HELPS COMBAT HEALTH CONDITIONS Regular exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, including: stroke, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and arthritis.

EXERCISE CAN IMPROVE YOUR MOOD Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your energy, confidence, and self-esteem.

EXERCISE PROMOTES BETTER SLEEP If you struggle to sleep, regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, and improve your sleep quality.

EXERCISE CAN BE FUN… AND SOCIAL! Exercise and physical activity can be enjoyable, giving you a chance to unwind, enjoy some time out, or simply engage in activities that make you feel good. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting.