You are here: Home > Leisure and Culture > Staying healthy and keeping fit
Staying healthy and keeping fit
We should all be more active these days. One in four adults will be obese by 2010. The Chief Medical Officer says adults should have at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week. But 45-60 minutes of moderate physical activity a day is what most people need to prevent obesity.
Children and young people need a total of at least 60 minutes of moderate physical exercise each day. At least twice a week this should include activities to improve bone health, muscle strength and flexibility.
You don't have to just play sport - activities like cycling, gardening and walking can all go towards your 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
For more infomation on Get Active events in your area contact our Sports Development team on
Telephone 01327 322337
Email: leisure@southnorthants.gov.uk.
Health Walks
We coordinate a programme of Health Walks in the district. These are part of a national initiative, which has been developed locally by South Northamptonshire Council, NHS Northamptonshire and other partners, together with the Walking for Health (WfH). The aim is to provide opportunities for people who currently do little or no exercise to take advantage of this free, easy and beneficial activity.
Two volunteer Walk Leaders guide each walk and there is no need to book, just turn up on the day. There is no requirement for any special equipment but dress sensibly for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for the conditions. Please arrive a few minutes before the start to allow time to complete brief health and registration forms.
South Northants Health Walks have been accredited by the WHI and click here to go to their website. Please click on the ‘What’s on’ section to see details of led health walks happening locally around South Northamptonshire. Or to find a walk near you, click here to download our leaflet on healthy walking (doc).
Keep up with the latest news by clicking here to download our newsletter 'One Small Step' (pdf).
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Towcester for backing this programme.
Village heritage walks and longer paths: downloads and links
The District benefits from an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways for use by residents and visitors.
A number of leaflets on village walks are also available to download.
Cycling
We employ a Community Cycling Coach, Mark McVitty, who organises a variety of cycling activities in the district.
To keep up with whats going on please read our cycling newsletter Alpha News.
Jogging
We organise two jogging sessions in Towcester which are part of the 'Run in England' programme. The sessions are open to joggers of all abilities and fitness levels and 'Jog Leaders' will be on hand to provide advice and encouragement to those who want to get active and start a healthier lifestyle. Each session lasts for about 30 to 60 minutes and will involve a gentle walk and jog. Details are:
Day: Mondays Time: 6:30pm Venue: Towcester Centre for Leisure
Day: Wednesdays Time: 10am Venue: Towcester Centre for Leisure
Sessions are free for the first two weeks from joining and joggers are then encouraged to join 'Run in England', which costs £20 for a year’s membership. For a small charge, runners can use the showers at the leisure centre after the session if they wish.Leisure centres and GP referral
Patients who would benefit from exercise can be signed on by their GP for sessions at either Towcester Centre for Leisure or Brackley Leisure Centre. Just ask your GP or anyone who is giving you professional health advice.
To find out more about your local centres, just go to our page on Leisure Centres.