Fitness target for the new year

Jan 2 2008 by David Himelfield, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A SCHEME to encourage people to become more active in the new year has been launched.

The campaign, called Look Good, Feel Great, hopes to encourage people into slotting exercise into their routine.

It has been launched by Kirklees Council and the Kirklees Primary Care Trust.

The trust says seven in 10 people in Kirklees are not getting enough exercise.

The council and the trust say simple exercise – such as walking a little faster, parking the car further away and using the stairs instead of a lift – can make a difference.

The trust’s director, Judith Hooper, said: “Being physically active not only makes you feel great and look good, but has real health benefits as well.

“Increasing the amount of activity we do as part of our everyday way of life should be top of our new year’s list of things to do.”

Clr Liz Smaje, Kirklees Cabinet Member for leisure services, said: “In reality it doesn’t matter what activity you choose to do as long as you build up to being active for at least 30 minutes.”

For exercise ideas – including ideas for those with health conditions – visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/activeforlife or call 01484 234095.