A garden project has been set up on land outside the leisure centre, aimed at growing fruit and vegetables. The idea is being introduced as part of the National Exercise Referral Scheme as an alternative to traditional exercise, and aims to attract new people who could benefit from keeping active.

On Monday, 2 April there will be a gardening activity day at the leisure centre, which will be an opportunity to get together, start some basic planting and have some fun:

10.00am – 12.00 is for exercise referral clients or adults interested in becoming involved with the project. (The cost of the session is £1.50)

1.00pm – 3.00 is for families to enjoy.

The National Exercise Referral Scheme is a scheme which runs in many of Gwynedd Council’s leisure centres. The aim of the scheme is to encourage and support people who are not active or who have a low risk medical condition to exercise in order to improve their health and well being.

People are referred to the scheme by their GP’s or a health care professional and then they can take part in a special fitness programme under the supervision of qualified Council staff.

Emma Quaeck, Gwynedd Council’s Exercise Referral Coordinator said:

“Gardening has many advantages - the physical work can burn up to 130 calories in half an hour. People can learn about how to grow different fruit and vegetables which will encourage healthy and nutritional eating habits, as well as helping you save money. We hope that it will be a very social activity which will include people from all walks of life within the community. It is also great to enhance the features of the leisure centre.

“Not everyone feels happy or comfortable to use the gym or attend fitness classes or swimming. However, and we hope that this new scheme will help more of Gwynedd’s residents to change their lifestyles and give them the confidence to take part in other activities in the future.”

For further information or to register for the garden activity day, please contact Emma Quaeck at Glaslyn Leisure Centre on 01766 512711 or e-mail EmmaQuaeck@gwynedd.gov.uk