Covid-19 has had an unimaginable impact on life as we know it. Maintaining health and fitness in a safe way during this time has been among the many challenges faced, and an important one at that.
With lockdowns, temporary closure of gyms, social distancing and restrictions on outdoor activity, there’s been a huge rise in activities such as running. At the height of lockdown, many people found themselves lacing up a pair of running shoes and exploring their local surroundings with almost fresh eyes, realising that running gave them something they never imagined possible – the perfect lockdown sport.
The physical and psychological benefits of exercise, particularly outdoor pursuits, are proven. As a weight bearing exercise, running is a brilliant way to build bone strength, as well as strengthening muscles, improving cardiovascular fitness, burning calories and helping to maintain a healthy weight. It can also boost energy levels and intensify mental focus providing a powerful natural high.
For those already within the running community, there’s been a huge gap with the absence of regular group activities such as club training and parkrun. These weekly 5km events were pulling in huge crowds of beginner and seasoned runners alike, not just for the run itself but for a Saturday morning social. They’re a great way to connect with others in the locality, make new friends and feel part of a group, all the while improving fitness levels and enabling people to step up to a weekly challenge.
As Covid restrictions have eased, small training groups have resumed, albeit to new and ever-evolving guidelines. This is why Running Hub is joining forces with Helen Gaunt, a local personal trainer and club athlete to launch a new, free-of-charge RunHub RunClub that will meet at the popular Southborough shop on Wednesday lunchtimes at 12:30-1:30pm, starting from 4th November.
The sessions will cater for all abilities and are open to anyone who wants to improve their fitness and meet with others in the community for outdoor training, framed around running fitness. Covid precautions will of course be followed and a short medical PAR-Q form (download here) will need to be completed when signing up. Groups will be operating on a first come, first served basis and capped at 12 in the first instance.
The sessions from Running Hub will begin with a short warm-up run to Southborough Common followed by some dynamic stretching and running drills. There will then be a 30-minute bodyweight exercise session geared towards improving running strength and power. The full body conditioning workout will finish with core strength and hip stability exercises designed to reduce the risk of running injuries. After the class, the Running Hub group will do a cool-down jog back to the shop. There is a convenient free car park adjacent in Yew Tree Road, for those wishing to travel by car.
The new running group aims to build a positive energy and enable local people to connect and get fit in the great outdoors in a Covid-safe way! Please sign up using our booking form here or contact tel. 01892 542 077/email info@runninghub.co.uk for further information.
