How Fifers can stay fit with free weekly workouts online

Thousands have joined in the free live streams

The online classes have been launched by Fife Sport and Leisure Trust.

With its network of 14 buildings all locked down, it has switched to streaming free live fitness sessions online as part of a new ‘In This Together’ campaign to help keep Fifers fit and active.

The charitable trusts fitness instructors are currently delivering 10 live classes per week, including pilates, HIITStep, Bounce, meditation, back care and seated exercise, offering people of all abilities, from beginners to those with more experience, the chance to get active at home.

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So far, they are attracting around 30,000 hits, and getting more people active than some national private gym providers and other leisure trusts across Scotland.

The weekly timetable includes sessions from regular trust fitness instructors as well as guest appearances from internationally-known figures from the fitness industry.

Users of the online sessions have been quick to praise the trust for the availability and quality of the workouts.

Cathy Paisley from Thornton said: "I feel instructors are giving us their time and this has allowed me the chance to try lots of new classes that I was unsure about doing before. I'm looking forward to reinstating my Leisure Active membership with the trust."

They are even gaining interest around the globe.

Rita Blyth, a former Dunfermline resident commented: "I moved to Australia from Dunfermline nine years ago and I can't begin to tell you how thrilling it is to be able to join in the classes of some well-known faces. There's an immediate feeling of reconnection coupled with the Scottish accent and variety of classes on offer straight into my lounge. What a terrific job everyone's doing. It's fabulous!"

Evelyn Crichton, health and fitness co-ordinator, said: "The engagement with our sessions has been fantastic and they have proved a great way for us to continue to support the community - from the homes and back gardens of our amazing instructors during the lockdown.

"We are particularly concerned for a large number of our regular participants to our health programme who attended classes designed to support those living with long-term health conditions. Many of them are older adults and at higher risk from Covid-19, not only have they lost a vital health and wellbeing resource, they are missing out on social interaction.

"Next week we are launching targeted health sessions every day at 12 noon for this group, we hope as many as possible can join us and continue to experience the benefits of qualified, instructor-led fitness sessions."

www.fifeleisure.org.uk/group-fitness/

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