ONE YOU – Helping Hackney get healthy
Hackney Council’s new health initiative of £1 fitness classes and other free activities, will encourage residents to take control of their health for benefits now and in later life.
Launched last month, ONE YOU Hackney will help residents - from seven to over 70 - to move more, eat well, drink less and lead healthier lifestyles. Across the borough there are estate-based fitness classes for only £1, free fitness classes in parks with OURPARKS and free healthy cooking and eating courses.
There is something for all, from Zumba and men’s fitness circuits for adults, Judo and Capoeira for children, chair based exercise for older residents and women only body conditioning that parents/carers can bring their children to.
Residents looking for support to improve their health can also take a free NHS Health Check and meet a local health coach at one of four estate based Health Hubs across the borough.
Everyone can make a start by taking an online health quiz called ‘How Are You’. This provides personal recommendations based on individual results. It directs people to tools and advice to help them take action where it’s most needed and it also provides a link to the Council’s Public Health webpage which lists fitness class and healthy cooking dates, times and locations as well as other healthy living support, advice and information.
It’s a disturbing fact that unhealthy living before and throughout middle age is responsible for around 40% of all deaths in England, costing the NHS more than £11 billion a year. That’s why we are encouraging residents to put themselves first and do something about their own health by taking part. This is a great opportunity for residents to get active and get healthy so get involved in ONE YOU Hackney today.
This is the third class I’ve been to and I found challenging but I could do it. I have asthma and joint problems but I’ve been able to do all of the exercises and am hoping to move on to the harder ones. I would recommend this class to everyone whatever their shape, size or fitness.
ONE YOU Hackney is taking place from now till March 2017.
Residents can take part in the quiz by visiting the website.