Move More Western Isles increases online activities

Move More Western Isles is a project supporting physical activity opportunities for islanders with long term health conditions.

Tony Wade, Sports Facilities Services Manager said: “The COVID-19 crisis is a particularly worrying time for people who have been referred on to this programme and Sport and Health workers Kirsty Wade (Lewis and Harris) and Kevin Morrison (Uists) have been keeping in contact with as many clients as possible since the start of lockdown.

“Online classes, 1:1 sessions and phone call support has also been made available. Kirsty and Kevin have been ably assisted by Macmillan trained ‘Gentle Movement’ volunteers who have been providing online sessions throughout the Western Isles for those who have previously attended these relaxing classes.

“However it has not been possible to reach out to everyone who may benefit from encouragement to keep active.

“It is now widely recognised that keeping physically active helps boost your immune system which is particularly important right now and with this in mind we have endeavoured to provide two classes a week online that can be easily accessed by a wider audience from this week.

The Tuesday afternoon class is a seated mobility and strength class and the Thursday afternoon class is a little more ‘Up –Tempo’ and should suit people who may have enjoyed Aquafit or Move More circuit classes in the recent past.”

The activity sessions are low to moderate intensity and are appropriate and beneficial for most people however anyone with a medical condition or any other concerns should check with a medical professional prior to participating.

If you have been recommended to become physically active previously, this step is not necessary unless you have a new condition.

For more information please e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]

Tony added: “We feel it is very important to try and keep in contact with as many of our regular and committed service users as possible and this is a really positive collaboration between a number of Comhairle sections that has helped make this happen.

“The classes will be updated every week and the previous classes will also be available as an archive, which customers will be able to access at any time.

“Keeping active is so important for your physical and mental health and we are hopeful that this will be a popular addition to our online class provision.”