to our first e-newsletter of the year! We hope you've had a lovely Xmas and are ready to get active in 2018! We're pleased to announce, we still have 60 weekly, low cost, pay-as-you go adult fitness and sports sessions to choose from. Read on to find out more....

Get active in 2018, by either trying something new or getting back into your regular routine.

Here are 8 reasons to 'get' and 'stay' active:

• Reduced risk of major illnesses
• Boost self-esteem
• Improved sleep and more energy
• Improved wellbeing and mood
• Feel good factor
• Manage weight
• Improve muscular and cardio fitness, develop stamina
• Have fun, make friends and socialise

Click here to view our new timetable.

In this edition we hear from Jo, who has benefitted from attending Zumba at Middleton Cricket Club and Cardio Club at Bowlee Park Sports Centre.

"I first heard about activ8teme when I noticed a poster up at work. It appealed to me as you don't need to book in advance, the classes interested me, they're reasonably priced and they fit into my busy schedule.

I went along, on my own, not knowing anybody and soon realised that I loved the classes as I'm not a gym person. I've now lost one and a half stone, inches around my waistline and dropped a couple of dress sizes. This is through combining exercise and healthy eating.

I love the classes. I'm always laughing and smiling when I'm there and they give me such a boost. Afterwards, I feel positive and a sense of satisfaction. I've gained so much confidence. I'm wearing clothes I'd never have dreamt about years ago. My lifestyle is so much better and healthier and I don't feel as bloated or sluggish.

The best part about this is that by attending activ8teme classes, it has given me the chance to meet a group of ladies who I'm now proud to call 'my friends'.  Not only do we turn up and exercise together, we also socialise outside of the class. Here's to more classes, more laughter and continuing to be happy and healthier".

Great news, not only has the gym at Bowlee Park Sports Centre (in Middleton) been extended, we're now offering a new casual membership at £21.50 per month. If you take up this option, you can use the gym and access all of the activ8teme classes (taking part at this venue only) as part of your membership.

To attend an activ8teme class without being a member, the cost is £2.50 and it's advised to ring ahead to check for places.

For all enquiries, please ring Bowlee reception on: 0161 643 4907.

A huge thank you to everybody who joined us at our 4th Birthday Party at Heywood Civic Centre in November.

It was a successful evening with lots of positive feedback. 240 people attended and £272 was raised from our raffle for Springhill Hospice.

Please click here to visit our Facebook page to view our photos and videos from the night. Click here to view one of our taster sessions from the event.

Pilates is an exercise class which aims to improve core and muscle strength, flexibility and posture.

Come and join us at our only mid-week evening Pilates class which will take place on: Wednesdays, 7pm-8pm at Heywood Civic Centre, starting on 7 February. Cost: £2.

It will accommodate all levels including beginners in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Big thanks to GreaterSport for putting together the video of our first Couch 2 5k programme which we ran several months ago. To view the short video, please click here.

To register your interest in our next Couch 2 5k programme, please contact Sarah on: 07976 498 629 or sarah.shard@link4life.org

Our beginners running group is still taking place on: Wednesdays 6pm at Kingsway Park Sports Centre, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale, OL16 4XA.

Cost: £1

A great turnout at Heywood Civic Centre for our last session of 2017.

80 people took part in the Zumba Basic class and 48 joined us for Xmas songs, sandwiches, mince pies and a nice social get-together.

Due to the success of the last Badminton Coaching course, we've organised a second one to enable players to build their knowledge and improve their ability in the sport that they enjoy.

It will take place on: Saturday 24 February and Saturday 3 March, 12pm-3.30pm at Kingsway Park Sports Centre, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale, OL16 4XA. Cost: £24 per person.

The course will cover fundamentals of the game including: using the right grip, serving, footwork, mid court shots, backhands, smashes and clears.

To reserve your place, contact Sarah on: sarah.shard@link4life.org or 07976 498 629.