Residents in Birmingham’s suburbs are being encouraged to a green gym, the gardens and green areas around them, to help spruce up their neighbourhood and raise their own fitness levels.
TVC, the community volunteering charity work to create a healthier and happier community for everyone and have launched this scheme in Ley Hill, with people starting to revive a green space to grow food. The Green Gym is a fun and free outdoor session where you will be guided in practical activities such as planting trees, sowing meadows or establishing wildlife ponds.
This conservation project differs from others as the emphasis is very much on health and fitness and the volunteers will warm up and cool down in preparation for all of the activities which suit all abilities.
This project is helping the local environment and residents fitness levels while also bringing the community together to help clear the area for the benefit of everyone. The conservation project is a great way for people to make friends and build relationships in their community. With the rise in physical inactivity, isolation and resulting health conditions, Green Gym provides opportunities for individuals to connect with nature, improve their stamina and over health, be part of their community and create a high-quality green space.
GP’s are now prescribing the Green Gym to patients to encourage them to improve their health and well being as, by taking part, participants are motivated to make positive changes to their lifestyle, such as taking up cycling. Green Gyms can also enhance mental well being through contact with nature, the social benefits of group activity and by contributing something positive to the community.
Rev Anne Ladd from St Bartholomews says theres a real need for community and building relationships:
“We want to come and support this and get to know people and share in things that are important about life. So its good for everybody’s life to come and have exercise, see green things and just enjoy growing stuff.”
The group meets once a week and these green gyms are popping up all around Birmingham.
To find out more about a Green Gym near you or how to volunteer with TVC, click on this link: https://www.tcv.org.uk/
Feature image sourced from the TVC website.
