Registration opens for next Sligo Stronger For Longer initiative as positive impact is highlighted

THE popular Sligo Stronger For Longer initiative is set to continue in January with registration now open.

Stronger For Longer is an eight-week strength and power-based exercise programme for 50-year-olds+ under Sligo County Council and Sligo Local Community Development Committees Healthy Sligo Round 4 Programme. The Programme was developed by the Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership (SSRP).(in partnership with Tubbercurry GAA Healthy Club Committee).

The aim of the programme is to provide more opportunities for people over the age of 50 to be more physically active, and specifically to encourage them to participate in strength and conditioning based exercise. Increasing the number of people who are healthy at all stages of life is a key focus for the SSRP and the programme offers a fun, accessible opportunity for older adults to be physically active and to build strength. In addition to this weekly exercise programme, we are also offering additional workshops on Nutrition with Siobhan O’Farrell and Mindfulness with Ted Kelly.

Ted Kelly said: “The Mindfulness programme has proven to be a great success. Upwards of 20 participants gathered together cultivating the art of slowing down, coming home to the body in a safe, fun environment is quite powerful. There is a palpable energy generated in the room as a result. It also shows how simple the practice of mindfulness can be in our daily lives and how it can be applied throughout our day in whatever activity we are engaged in.”

This mind-body and holistic view means taking care of all aspects of yourself and making good healthy decisions from a well-rounded perspective.

One Stronger for Longer participant noted: “It was brilliant it have this all available locally, we are loving the exercises and already feeling the benefits of the nutrition and wellbeing workshops. Thank you so much.”

Continuing to work in collaboration, the Healthy Sligo Programme has also funded Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership to deliver the ‘Activator Poles Programme’.

A first for Sligo town, the programme takes place outdoors in a variety of Sligo’s most scenic settings including Cleveragh Regional Park, O’Boyle Park and Mitchell Curley Park. To showcase the fantastic park facilities and beautiful views, weekly classes rotate amongst the three park locations over the eight weeks. Participants learn how to use the poles to improve mobility, strength, balance, and aerobic fitness through gentle walking techniques and strengthening exercises. The activator poles were designed by therapists and are particularly suitable for people with balance concerns or mobility issues. Unique features of the activator poles improve gait pattern, core strength, posture, stability while reducing impact on the knees and hips. The poles are specially designed for individuals with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, knee/hip replacements in mind, however the poles are beneficial for all.

One activator pole participant stated: “I was very uplifted and energised by the programme, the exercises improved my posture and my self-esteem. The trainers were excellent, professional and fun.”

Both of these programmes will commence in January for 2024 and new members are welcome. These programmes are free to all participants. If you require more information, please contact Shane Hayes at Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership on 071 91 61511.

These Programmes are brought to you by Healthy Sligo funded by the Healthy Ireland Fund Round 3 and Sligo LCDC, administered by Sligo County Council.