Get moving in 2022 – that’s the challenge the area’s leading provider of sports and leisure services set locals to get active throughout the year and people across Fife are stepping up.
Charitable trust, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s initiative is designed to encourage people to look beyond new year resolutions and aim to make getting active a long-term objective so that more people can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits associated with getting active.
Those taking up the challenge are being encouraged to share their goals and physical activity stories with the trust in the hope that it will motivate others to get active.
Michael Morris, a competitive weightlifter, and regular user of Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre is just one of many who is setting out a plan for his challenge.
He said: “I moved up a weight class and became the 2019 Scottish champion in the 74kg weight class and I decided this would be my last competition. Now, employed with the NHS in a job I feel pride in, and as the Covid restrictions eased up, I started to feel the fire in my belly to compete again. This time to become the 59kg Scottish champion. On February 6th I compete in Edinburgh for my only opportunity to qualify for the Scottish Classic Championship on June 5th. The trust’s challenge is ideal for my training”
Kirsten Turvey is also taking up the challenge and uses Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes.
She said: “My husband and I are both retired and have enjoyed doing classes at Michael Woods Sports Centre. Since the last lockdown I have not managed to get back to the gym or swimming, but my goal is to enjoy a mixture of disciplines. Pilates along with walking keeps us mobile as balance and stretching are important as we age. Going to the centre we have met and made many good friends and the social aspect cannot be undervalued in these testing times.”
Jade Burnett a user of Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre, said: “My challenge is to complete a new fitness style each month. So, January is 31 days of Yoga, then February is Dancercise, March is Pilates and so on. This should give me an idea of the kinds of exercise I like to do and help keep working out fun and interesting and keep me motivated to fully commit to a year of health.”
Fiona Oxley, is taking up her challenge at East Sands Leisure Centre, St Andrews, she said: “I have become more active in recent months and value bringing exercise in to my life on a more regular basis. I’ve found setting myself a challenge to be helpful to work toward and have just signed up to be in the ballot for the Great North Run in September – my longest ever was 14k. I’ve committed to park runs on a Saturday and have arranged childcare ahead of these days to be able to go. I’m thinking I need a challenge for the end of the year too to keep me going throughout 2022 so hoping this group challenge will provide some inspiration!”
Photos, Michael Morris, Kirsten Turvey, Calum Paterson, Fiona Oxley
Not only is the trust offering anyone taking up the challenge support and advice from its qualified staff, but it is also offering one participant of the challenge a year’s Leisure Active Platinum membership worth over £500.
Scott Urquhart, sports and physical activity team manager for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “We have been really impressed with the uptake on our challenge – people of all ages and experiences are sharing their stories.
“From inspirational personal goals to those aiming to improve overall fitness, balance or health, people have embraced the campaign and our team are really looking forward to supporting them and keeping them motivated throughout the year.”
To participate in the challenge, visit www.fifeleisure.org.uk or search for #GetMoving on social media.
