Suffolk Libraries extends Jumpstart fitness activities

Suffolk Libraries is delighted to announce that it’s Jumpstart programme of free fitness activities is being extended to the end of March 2024.

Jumpstart has been a very popular and successful programme of online and in-library fitness activities, designed to get people moving and trying something new. By providing free and accessible activities like yoga, Zumba Gold, seated movement and Pilates the idea is to encourage people of all ages and ability to improve their fitness and try something a bit different.

Jumpstart is running throughout 2023 thanks to funding from Suffolk County Council. Suffolk Libraries is pleased to announce there is enough funding available to enable the activities to continue beyond Christmas for the first few months of 2024.

The format of the events will remain the same with January 2024 offering taster classes and February and March offering 4-week courses of three different activities per month. The sessions will vary from in library sessions and online Zoom activities.

The activities will remain free and people can book their place and view the full programme of events currently on offer on our website.

The website will be updated with new activities for 2024 nearer the time.

Nardyne Gilardoni, Suffolk Libraries Jumpstart Coordinator, said:

“We’re delighted to be able to extend the Jumpstart programme which we know is making a real difference to people’s activity levels and health. The gym or other normal fitness and leisure venues can be a bit daunting for those who are trying to become more active or some cannot afford regular classes.

"Jumpstart aims to do as it says – to give people a jump start and encourage them to start or try something in a welcoming, relaxed and non-judgemental environment – with online options for those who find it difficult to travel. We’ve continued to receive great feedback from those taking part with many saying they’ve felt the genuine health and wellbeing benefits and that it’s encouraged them to become more active.”

In a recent survey 95% of Jumpstart participants said they’d enjoyed their class and 92% said they’d do something similar in the future. 90% said they felt more empowered to make healthy choices to continue to improve their wellbeing and 91% said they planned to try another activity.

Feedback from people taking part has included:

• “Thank you for providing Jumpstart, these classes help me connect with other people, I wouldn’t feel safe doing this in person as I’m in the at-risk group of people re Covid. This really gives me focus and meaning.”

• “I'm really enjoying these classes. Being free and online gives me access to exercise classes I wouldn't otherwise be able to attend. Thank you so much.”

• “I really appreciate Jumpstart and how it encourages me to exercise.”