How Fitness Can Be Fun!

Last Saturday our staff organised a charity bike ride around Rutland Water to raise funds for a charity that we support called Steps Conductive Education Centre Leicestershire. Over the next few months they are planning to cycle the equivalent distance to the perimeter of the British Isles – some 2,775 Miles. Overall , they hope to raise around £10,000 for Steps. Click here to view the sponsorship page


The ‘Round Britain Bike Challenge’ launched on Saturday with a ride around Rutland Water. The perimeter distance, at its maximum, is 26 miles (there is a shorter route of 19 miles) and the 19-strong team pedalled their way around the marathon course in the glorious sunshine and enjoyed every minute, riding a total of 480 cumulative miles! At this time of year there is nowhere more beautiful than the blossoming countryside and natural beauty of this part of England. And they all loved it.

Afterwards, the cyclists and their spouses and families came back to our house for a barbecue. We had such a fun time together, eating and drinking and sharing the adventures of the day. The camaraderie between the staff was almost tangible - the fun, the laughter, the way everyone was walking like John Wayne. Everyone mucked-in cooking the sausages and burgers and serving the drinks. They were really ready for it and felt they’d earned a good feed.

Then it was time for cricket. Then rounders. Then football! Shrieks of laughter echoed around the garden as balls were bowled by an aspiring Andrew Flintoff, age 8, at the adults to hit or miss, according to where the ball arrived which was very varied! Men and women, girls and boys, all having a fabulous time being active. If all fitness could be so much fun we would undoubtedly do it more often. And I hope that many families will do just that on the glorious summer days that we have been promised this year.

Yesterday, many of our staff also ran the Race for Life. Click here to view the sponsorship page. I have spoken to a couple of them already today and yes, they are stiff – and that’s not surprising taking into account all that they have done this weekend. But what a sense of achievement. They are all buzzing with it.

Sometimes we need the encouragement of other to help us get active, to do things together. Sometimes we need a reason for doing it too and raising funds for good causes is as good a reason as any to get out there and get active. Training ahead of the event is going to stand you in good stead for the event and gives you a reason for getting on your bike or putting on your running shoes. It is about having a goal, having someone to share it with and that what you do, makes a difference. What could YOU do to inspire YOU into action?