New Generation Yoga Class on Offer at Council Health Scheme

Published: 24th April 2024

Catherine Argyle, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s health and fitness officer, pictured front with participants at the new Body Balance class.
GIVE A LITTLE OM – Catherine Argyle, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s health and fitness officer, pictured front with participants at the new Body Balance class.

If you need a little ‘om’ in your life, look no further than Ribble Valley Borough Council’s new generation yoga class, Body Balance.

Les Mills Body Balance is a yoga-based fitness programme that combines simple yoga movements with elements of Tai Chi and Pilates.

Powered by science, controlled breathing, concentration and stretches, Body Balance is said to build strength, improve flexibility and calm the mind.

Participants bend and stretch through a series of simple moves to a soundtrack.

Body Balance has enthusiastic followers across the world is now part of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s Up and Active programme, which has been helping residents overcome health and fitness challenges for many years.

Participants in a range of specialist programmes have reported improved mobility, mood, fitness and weight loss, while others say the schemes have helped them manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and combat loneliness.

Along with Body Balance, Up and Active activities include popular seated exercise scheme Best Foot Forward, weight management programme Weigh to Go, cardiac rehabilitation programme Heartwatch and supervised gym referrals. 

Tracy Balko, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s health and fitness officer, said: “Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions.

“Our programmes are designed for people of all abilities and our friendly health and fitness team is on hand to help you get started and keep going.

“And Body Balance is a perfect activity for those who haven’t undertaken exercise for a long time or want to maintain their health and fitness in a gentle manner.”

The new class is run weekly by council health and fitness officer Catherine Argyle, who is a trained Les Mills Body Balance facilitator.

Further details about Body Balance and all Up and Active activities are available from Ribble Valley Borough Council’s health and fitness team on 01200 414586 or upandactive@ribblevalley.gov.uk