Become healthier with Fit 4 Life

If you are looking to become fitter and healthier in 2015, then the ‘Fit 4 Life’ programme may just be what you are looking for.

Harrogate Borough Council has launched a new lifestyles service for anyone living in the district who wants to improve their health by getting fitter, losing weight or making other healthy lifestyle choices.

Fit 4 Life is free to individuals who commit to the full 12 week programme and attend a follow-up assessment after six and 12 months. It has the backing of GPs, Harrogate and District Clinical Commissioning Group, North Yorkshire County Council and NHS Health professionals.

The new timetable will provide classes in a number of towns across the district including Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Masham, Nidderdale and Boroughbridge.
Fit 4 Life

Funded through North Yorkshire County Council’s Public Health team and delivered by Harrogate Borough Council, the classes are run by experts in weight management and nutrition. The sessions have been specifically designed to help people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 25 to lose weight, and learn how to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Each session will include 30 minutes of nutritional advice followed by 45 minutes of physical exercise.

Councillor Pat Jones, Harrogate Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism & Sports said: “Many people start the new year with the intention of improving their lifestyle by losing weight and becoming healthier and fitter. These classes, which are available on a variety of days and times throughout the district, provide the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting advice and support on shedding a few pounds and changing their attitude towards food.

“The ‘Fit 4 Life’ programme’s aim is to help people make improvements to their lifestyle which will benefit their long term health. Those taking part will learn about eating well, portion sizes, food labels, protein, fats, salt and carbohydrates, and the benefits of physical activity.

“The team will help participants with goal setting and motivate them to get the most from the fun physical activity sessions. ‘Fit 4 Life’ is quite simply an informative and enjoyable means of achieving the results you want”.

“North Yorkshire County Council is investing £700,000 over two years to encourage people to review their lifestyles and discover what they can do to improve their health and overall enjoyment of life” said North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Prevention and Public Health.

“I believe this to be an excellent use of the Public Health grant because better fitness will help prevent many health problems in later life. The new Fit 4 Life programme is completely free for participants and I am confident that it will be popular and successful across the borough”.

If you would like to find out more about Fit 4 Life classes or to book a place please contact Natalie Smith on 07525 988160 or email natalie.smith@harrogate.gov.uk.