Malvern Movers is a new initiative in the Selwyn District if you want to start your fitness journey, ease back into regular exercise or build on your progress.

This all age exercise class focuses on movement, strength, balance and wellbeing - including cardio and strength exercises to challenge yourself each class.

You can drop-in or book your spot.

Dates: Every Tuesday from 23rd July to 27th August 2024.
Time: 9.30 to 10.15am. Stay for morning tea.
Location: Darfield Recreation and Community Centre (92 North Terrace, Darfield).
Cost: $10.60 per session. $7 for Community Service Card holders. Concessions and membership options available.

Caregivers with babies or young children can bring them along.

Find out more about the 6-week Malvern Movers trial, including how to book.

People with Parkinson’s are being encouraged to come along to a new exercise class at EA Networks Centre - starting on Thursday 8th August 2024.

Parkinson’s Play will run every Thursday at 1.30pm, and is aimed at improving mobility. The cost is $10 a class (or it is included in your gym membership if you have one).

Sport and Recreation manager Richard Wood said the first class on Thursday 8th August in the pilot programme will be FREE, so people could get a taste of what the class was offering.

“People with Parkinson's often experience mobility issues such as stiffness, tremors, balance problems, and slow movement. “We know that exercise can improve flexibility, strength and overall mobility, so those issues are less of a problem. Exercise also makes you feel good, which is great for dealing with depression and anxiety, which are common in Parkinson's patients.”

Mr Wood said EANC staff had been working alongside Exercise As Medicine specialists in Christchurch to get the class off the ground in Ashburton.

Support people and helpers are welcome to accompany people with Parkinson’s coming to the new class.

Email eanccsr[at]adc.govt.nz for more information on the Parkinson’s Play pilot programme.

This document has been produced by the Active Canterbury Network for exercise advocates and providers in the region - called ‘The Big List’ Directory.

The resource is divided into zones from Waimakariri to Ashburton and lists many classes and facilities that are particularly appropriate for older adults and people with long-term conditions. The Big List Directory will be updated as often as possible and get in touch if you spot any errors.

Download The Big List Directory - updated July 2024 [1.22MB PDF].

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Here are some snippets on the latest physical activity research or news that we found interesting.

Exercise New Zealand emphasises the importance of staying active and socially connected to boost your immune system and ward off seasonal illnesses - as we reach the midpoint of winter in Aotearoa.

Quality sport experiences can offer wellbeing benefits for young people above and beyond just moving their bodies.

This issue of Insights from Recreation Aotearoa explores the various applications of AI and its potential future impact. The three featured case studies showcase the diverse ways AI can be applied across the recreation sector.

Read more Active Canterbury news.

The Active Canterbury Newsletter is produced bi-monthly and aims to keep local physical activity providers informed. It has a focus on latest physical activity research, upcoming education and training opportunities, key events and tips on how to practically apply research and industry tools.

View the latest newsletter: AC Network Newsletter February 2024

Access previous editions of the newsletter.