Walk, cycle, move –it all helps you feel better

Moving more can help you feel better and happier and you can start with very simple steps.

Salford has one of the highest inactivity rates in Greater Manchester, with over 45 per cent of children and young people and 32 per cent of adults doing less than 30 minutes activity a week.

People with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, women and girls, older people and people with disabilities are more inactive than others but have the most to gain from moving more.

You may wish to check with your GP before taking up activities and you can also ask about exercise on prescription.

Doing it yourself

Salford has 60 parks and green spaces and 29 kilometres of traffic free ‘loop lines’ which are great for gentle walks, cycle rides or kicking a ball around with the children. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/looplines for details and walking and cycling maps you can download, or https:// gmwalking.co.uk which has routes in Salford and beyond and details of walking groups you can join. Or download the Go Jauntly app to find and share routes or take on walking challenges or the Active 10 app to track your walking.

The NHS has a range of tips to improve your balance, strength and flexibility, a series of instructor-led aerobics, Pilates and yoga sessions ranging from 10 to 45 minutes and the Couch to 5k running programme. Try them out at www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise.

Join in

If you prefer to join a group or take a class, there’s plenty on offer in Salford.

Salford City Council’s health improvement service www.salford.gov.uk/health-improvement-service has a wide range of free weekly activities, from kurling or bowling, buggy and toddler walks to netball, outdoor and home gyms. They also offer one to one support to get moving, stop smoking and make healthy lifestyle changes.

Salford Community Leisure has everything from short wellbeing walks to gym, swim and exercise classes throughout the city at https://salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk or search Salford Sports Network’s map for clubs in your area.

Age UK Salford offers weekly walking football sessions where running is definitely banned www.ageuk.org.uk/salford

The Ramblers Association, www.manchesterandsalfordramblers.org.uk welcomes new members as does Salford U3A https://salfordu3a. com/groups/walks/ which offers walks for retired or semi-retired people.

Salford Cycling Club www.salfordcycling.club welcomes over 18s while Wheels for All offers cycling for adults and children with disabilities or differing needs, using adapted cycles and wheelchair transporters. https://wheelsforall.org.uk/locations/salford-wheelsfor-all

Follow Salford City Council on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find out what’s going on or visit www.salford.gov.uk/movemore