Free fitness classes for women thanks to Croydon Voluntary Action and London Sport

A still from the video This Girl Can – Me Again, Again

Submitted by Christine Double

It was a challenging year with many people isolated at home or struggling with the stresses of living under Covid-19.

The effects on people’s physical and mental health are immense. However, it is clear that staying fit and active can be beneficial for both.

Croydon Voluntary Action has partnered with London Sport and over 20 local community partners to offer free fitness classes for women who were previously inactive but want to make a change in 2021 as part of the national This Girl Can campaign.

During the lockdown restrictions, all classes went online, from Bollywood dance to yoga, hula hooping and Thai boxing. When the restrictions are relaxed, the sessions will include soccer and basketball.

If you live in Croydon, identify yourself as a woman between 18 and 60 and want to get active, just go to www.cvalive.org.uk and click on CVA Projects to go to the This Girl Can page.

Priya, a participant in one of the sessions, said: “After a long, tiring day where the mind has thought a lot, it feels so good to step on the yoga mat and experience such a positive atmosphere.

“It immediately lifts your mood, it’s so beneficial to be able to switch off, move your body and do some exercises. The body feels really good, relaxes and finds some rest.

“I appreciate the energy and feel wonderful after training, see other faces and connect with the group. After the session, I feel wonderful, as if a whole weight has been lifted from my shoulders and it even helps with sleep.”

This is part of Sport England’s National Campaign ‘This Girl Can’, see the video below: