Ballymena’s All Saints GAC award winning health and wellbeing programme, Saints & Slimmers, returns for a 3rd successive year next month. Started in January 2016 the 6 week project sees participants teamed with fellow “Slimmers” in a bid to be crowned overall champions….. but don’t let the slimming reference lead you astray. The programme is about much more than that. With health and wellbeing at its heart Saints & Slimmers provides opportunities for regular team exercise, promotion of positive mental health, development of teamwork skills, dance and many social activities. Participants are assigned to a team and a 6 week programme of activity is followed. You could be spin cycling in the early morning before winding down with Pilates that evening. Circuit training, aerobic workouts and the all-important team challenges keep everyone entertained while the team quiz and finale dance-off in the splendour of the Tullyglass House Hotel add greatly to the experience.

Earlier this year the programme was recognised at the Irish News Club & Volunteer Awards when it was awarded the prestigious award for best Club Health & Well Being initiative. Last year’s programme saw participants range in age from 18 to 80 years of age and activities are open to all and tailored to individual need and fitness. In partnership with Ballymena Runners Athletic Club the popular Cosy Sofa to 5k running event is a must for team members culminating in the ECOS park run while the more advanced runners can take their involvement right up to half marathon level. Of course if you just enjoy walking that’s fine too. Looking back past “Slimmers” have commented positively on the levels of weight loss they experienced, the fitness levels achieved in a fun environment and the varied social aspect of the programme. So if you want to get fit, lose some weight, meet new people or simply “put the Winter in” then get in touch with the organisers and register your interest. Places are limited and allocated on a 1st come, first served basis. Registration opens this Sunday at 9.00am by text with induction at 5.00pm on Sunday 10th December. The programme starts on Sunday 7th January and full details including costs and the all-important registration phone number can be found on the attached poster. Oh, and did we mention, you can request a friend or two on your team at induction.