Witney News - Jog along and get fitter for summer

Jog along and get fitter for summer

Dust off your trainers and get set for group jogging sessions in West Oxfordshire led by a qualified instructor to help you on the road to getting fitter and healthier.

A new round of 8-week ‘Just Jog’ sessions are being rolled out after Easter in Carterton, Eynsham and Witney for beginners.

With nutritional advice, help and support provided, the sessions are aimed at those who have no, or very little, previous experience of jogging. Intermediate sessions will also be available for those who have some experience and would like to improve their pace and skills.
The sessions will take place weekly from:

Sunday 27 April: Eynsham – meeting at Bartholomew Sports Centre, Back Lane, 9-10am
Monday 28 April: Carterton / Brize Norton – meeting at Monahan Way Pavilion, 6-7pm (beginners) and 7-8pm (intermediate)
Tuesday 29 April: Witney – meeting at Deer Park shopping centre, 6-7pm (beginners) and 7-8pm (intermediate)

Organisers are also looking to set up a group in Chipping Norton and would like interested local residents to get in touch (contact details bellows).

The sessions will be led by instructor Lisa Betteridge as part of a community project run by West Oxfordshire District Council and its leisure contractor, GLL, which runs its leisure facilities.

Lisa only started jogging three years ago herself as part of a mother-and-child exercise group after the birth of her son. She went on to complete instructor training and is now preparing for her first London Marathon this year.

She said: “I’d never done any regular exercise before and certainly wasn’t a fan of running - so if I can do it, anyone can! Jogging is a great way of keeping fit and the sessions are very sociable. It is good motivation to be part of a group and it’s amazing how quickly you can see yourself improving week-by-week.”

Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member for Communities at the District Council, said: “We are keen to encourage and provide opportunities for residents to stay healthy and lead active lifestyles. This is just one of the projects going on in our leisure centres and out in local communities to provide different options for people and we hope it’s successful.”

The cost of the 8-week course is £24 for leisure centre members or £32 for non-members. Simply turn up and pay on the day. For more information, call 07595 090379 or email [email protected].