Fun in the Sun!
Summer is synonymous with beach trips, alfresco dining, lazy days spent lounging in the sun and … fitness?! Okay, perhaps not. Summer is admittedly better known as a time for indulgence than being the season for keeping fit.
But regardless of how warm the weather is, exercise is important all year round. Regular exercise can lead to improved stamina, strength and flexibility, as well as potentially decreasing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A myriad of medical research also suggests that keeping fit can help reduce your stress levels, by lowering the body’s production of stress hormones and stimulating the release of endorphins, endocannabinoids and dopamine (which create the famous ‘feelgood factor’ or ‘runner’s high’). So why wait until January to kickstart your ‘new year, new me’ routine? Try one of these fun and friendly local classes this summer:

Pilates Time
Where: Barrow Community Library
When: Mondays 6:30pm and 7:45pm
Tuesdays 8:30am and 9:45am
Thursdays 8:30am
Zoom classes:
Tuesdays 6:00pm;
Thursdays 10:00am and 6:00pm
How to book: Contact Traudi Halliday on 07900472809 or traudih@icloud.com
Key benefits: Promotes mobility, tones and strengthens muscles, and can help maintain healthy joints

Pure Warrior Yoga
Yoga For All
Where: Barrow Community Library
When: Mondays 9:30am

Yoga Flow
Where: Barrow Community Library
When: Wednesdays 6:00pm

Beginner’s Yoga
Where: Barrow Community Library
When: Wednesdays 7:15pm
How to book: Contact Kat Pledger on 07771 508774 or kat@purewarrioryoga.co.uk, or book online at purewarrioryoga.co.uk
Key benefits: Increases flexibility, strengthens core muscles and can help lower stress levels

Clubbercise
Where: Humphrey Perkins School
When: Mondays 7:00pm
How to book: No booking needed – just turn up! For more info, contact Paula Seymour on 07947 313621
Benefits: Burns hundreds of calories per session and provides a full body workout in a fun and lively atmosphere

Health Walks
Where: Meet at The Three Crowns pub car park
When: Tuesdays 10:30am
How to book: No booking needed, just turn up and enjoy!
Benefits: Can help to lower blood pressure and improve heart health (and it’s free!)

Pause Yoga
Where: Bishop Beveridge Club
When: Thursdays 6:15pm and 7:30pm How to book: Contact Clare Bettles on 07714012221 or pauseyoga.clare@gmail.com
Benefits: Encourages mindfulness, improves overall strength and balance, and can even have a positive influence on sleep patterns.

Tori Cotton