Solihull Council has launched ‘So Go!’ - a year-long physical activity campaign encouraging residents to get active, with a wide range of free and low-cost activities available across the borough.
The campaign is aiming to use the momentum and focus on sport and physical activity provided by the recent Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where the NEC in Solihull played its part in hosting some exhilarating sports during the summer. So Go! is targeting everyone, from those who are least active right through to people who already undertake some form of regular exercise, throughout all ages and abilities. Aiming to increase awareness of a variety of exercise ideas, as well as motivate residents to think about changing their exercise habits and trying an activity they’ve never tried before.
So Go! showcases how getting active is fun and for everyone, supported by an updated website, newsletters and email communications and will encourage local organisations, clubs and groups to get involved. In addition to the obvious physical benefits, So Go! will be promoting the significant mental health ‘feel good’ factor associated with getting active, in addition to the relationship benefits, such as meeting new people and the feeling of reward and achievement.
Activities and ideas for moving more, more often, include both typical exercise such as swimming, table tennis, cycling, nature walks and running, and also less obvious activity suggestions, many of which don’t require you leaving your home, such as gardening and chair based stretching and simple movement exercises. Activities and ideas for people with restricted movement, additional needs and disabilities are also available.
North Solihull Sports Centre and Tudor Grange Leisure Centre offer extensive exercise options, whilst the boroughs parks and open spaces also include a hidden collection of opportunities for exercise for all ages including outdoor gym equipment, table tennis tables, cycle and BMX tracks, tennis courts and pathways which include wildlife walks and nature reserves.
A key objective of the campaign is to make it easy for disadvantaged groups and those whose physical activity levels have been impacted the most by Covid, to access physical exercise that suits their needs and budget. To make it easy for everyone to get involved, simple steps and practical opportunities are being highlighted via the new website, to help improve levels of activity, benefit physical health, mental health and wellbeing, and to improve connections in our local communities.
Cllr Diane Howell, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Communities, said: “We all recognise the benefit that physical exercise provides, but often don’t appreciate the positive impact that regular exercise has on our mental health and general wellbeing. So Go! is the ideal way to show the huge range of activities and opportunities available across Solihull, for all ages and abilities, many of which are available to access at no cost. There are activities and inspiration for everyone, whether you are able to get out and about, or would like to improve your physical fitness or range of movement and mobility within your own home environment.”
For details of activities, ideas and inspiration to motivate everyone to ‘So Go! and get active’, visit the new Solihull On The Move website at www.solihullonthemove.co.uk
Sign up here to receive updates and information about activities and practical opportunities and tips to keep you active.
Local organisations can also promote their activities so residents can find places to go, things to do and people to talk to their neighbourhood. Details can be sent to solihullactive@solihull.gov.uk for inclusion.