Appetite for exercise dwindles as pandemic drags on
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Television’s Mr Motivator calls on older people to kickstart 2021 with a live ‘resolution workout’ at the Royal Voluntary Service Virtual Village Hall on January 18.
Exercise makes just over 50 per cent of physically active over 50s in Scotland surveyed feel healthier (52 percent) and more positive (51 percent), but the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns are hampering motivations to be active.
According to new research by Royal Voluntary Service and People’s Postcode Lottery, one in three people aged 50+ in Scotland surveyed have exercised rarely or not at all during the pandemic.
More than one in six (17 percent) said that their enthusiasm to exercise at the pandemic’s outset has waned as time has gone on.
Colder weather, the inability to think positively during the pandemic, and getting out of normal routines were most commonly to blame.
Just over seven in ten (71 percent) people aged 50 and over in Scotland surveyed said they would like to be more physically active in 2021, with one in five (20 percent) keen to try something new to motivate themselves to exercise.
Limbering up to kickstart some healthy New Year resolutions is fitness and wellbeing coach Mr Motivator who will be launching Get Moving Week at the Royal Voluntary Service Virtual Village Hall with a live, free ‘resolution workout’ on Monday January 18 at 11am.
Get Moving Week takes place at the Virtual Village Hall from 18-22 January and features a dedicated programme of free daily exercise and dance classes, including Mr Motivator’s live launch workout and a live dance class hosted by Strictly Come Dancing performers Michael and Jowita, the 2020 winners of BBC TV’s The Greatest Dancer.
All classes take place on the Virtual Village Hall Facebook page and are completely free; a Facebook account is not required to join in.
68-year-old Mr Motivatorsaid: “Whatever age or stage of life we’re at, being physically active make us feel stronger, more positive and energetic, and better able to face life’s challenges - and there sure are a lot of those at the moment!
"I’m looking forward to starting 2021 at the Virtual Village Hall with a fun workout that I guarantee will put a smile on people’s faces and get the blood pumping.
"Exercise is vital to our health and wellbeing, so why not start some new healthy habits right now by joining in with Get Moving Week.”
With community exercise classes and village hall workouts closed by covid, the Royal Voluntary Service Virtual Village Hall offers the next best thing: a wide, ever-growing range of free online exercise, dance and activity classes to join in with at home.
From beginners’ ballet, Salsa Fit and Pilates to Zumba, chair-based routines and Bollywood dancing, there’s something for everyone to try all year round, including those new to exercise.
The Virtual Village Hall can be found on Facebook, on the Royal Voluntary Service website and on YouTube.
Director of services and deputy chief executive at Royal Voluntary Service Sam Ward said: “We all know that exercise is good for our minds and bodies, but motivating ourselves to move more can be challenging, particularly at this time of year and as we re-enter a new lockdown.
"With exercise classes and venues closed, we wanted to provide a place for people to come together to exercise, dance, be active and have fun.
"The Virtual Village Hall is free, open to all, with expert tutors, friendly chat and a wide range of activities to try.
"Whether you join in with one of our Get Moving Week live classes or catch up with a session on-demand to fit your schedule, I’m sure you’ll feel better for taking part.”
Health and wellbeing advisor with People’s Postcode Lottery Lisa Belletty said: “Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Royal Voluntary Service Virtual Village Hall is helping thousands of people to stay active, interested and trying new things, which is great for health and wellbeing.”
The Virtual Village Hall is a free online activity hub, designed by Royal Voluntary Service and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to help people stay physically and mentally active, connected, occupied and having fun during the Covid-19 pandemic.
There are hundreds of themed sessions and classes to join in with, from exercise and dance, music and crafts, to singalongs, gardening and cookery demonstrations.
Activities are available seven days a week and are updated regularly.
Thousands of people have taken part in the Virtual Village Hall’s classes and activities which are free to join.
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with volunteers supporting thousands of vulnerable people and the NHS.
During the Covid-19 crisis, the charity’s staff and volunteers are working in local communities, delivering essential supplies, library books and activity packs, and providing companionship support, home from hospital services and patient transport.
To find out more about the Virtual Village Hall, you can visit: royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/virtual-village-hall.
To find out more about local volunteering opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service, you can visit: volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering.
To make a donation to support the charity’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can visit: royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/donate.
You can follow Royal Voluntary Service on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @RoyalVolService or with #MakeADifference.
