The 12 Moves in 12 Months – challenge moves from yoga to Nordic Walking
Published: 2 February 2022
A leading city councillor said he felt energised and recharged after completing a month of Yoga classes as the first activity in a year-long challenge to get active and stay fit.
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, is taking part in 12 Moves in 12 Months – a challenge to try out a new activity each month during 2022.
The challenge aims to celebrate some of the amazing community groups and organisations in Exeter who are supporting people to be more active in their daily lives.
Cllr Wood is spending time each week in a group or class to try new activities for himself as a way of getting active staying healthy while having fun and making some new friends along the way.
January’s challenge was yoga. After attending the weekly sessions run by Katie Furler at the Pinhoe United Reformed Church in Old Pinn Lane, Cllr Wood said he felt refreshed and energised.
Cllr Wood said: “Yoga has been a great experience. It was good to join in and there is something in it for everyone – you can take it as easy or far as you like.
“It’s really diverse with varying degrees of difficulty and techniques. It feels like something that would continue to challenge me and improve my ability. Each session felt like I had had a workout but without me realising it. I also felt it did more than get me active but concentrating on strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and relaxation it was refreshing and calming. I think I am going to miss it.
“There are yoga classes all over the city. So it’s really easy to find a class near you or one at the level that works for you. It is one of those activities that’s not competitive. It’s about taking time out from the stress of everyday life, some time for you. When you finish the sessions you have a spring in your step and you feel more energised and ready to face the day.”
In February the challenge switches to Nordic Walking. Cllr Wood will take part in the weekly walks held at Cowick Barton playing fields, beginning on Friday, 4 February.
Cllr Wood said: “I’m looking forward to getting out and about. The weather is starting to change and I’m looking forward to visiting some of the beautiful parts of Exeter.
“I think Nordic Walking improves upper body strength through the use of the poles, and I’m really looking forward to the next challenge.”
For more information about Katie’s classes in Pinhoe, Whipton and Heavitree visit www.devonrootsyoga.co.uk
For more details about activities near you visit the activity finder on the Active Devon website. A list of yoga instructors can also be found here and a list of some of the classes in Exeter here.
To follow Cllr Wood’s progress through 12 Moves in 12 Months keep an eye on the Council’s news website and social media channels and Live and Move’s blog page. To share your moves use the hashtag #ShareYourMoves