Get fit for the Olympics at Woodford Lodge

A LEISURE centre is hoping to inject Olympic spirit into Cheshire residents by opening its doors for free.

Woodford Lodge Sports Centre in Winsford is encouraging everyone from toddlers to pensioners to use their facilities free of charge on Sunday August 10.

“We’re giving everyone the chance to get fit in honour of the Olympics,” said Jon Kelly, operations manager of Chester and District Sports and Recreation Trust (CADSART), who manage the sports centre for the school. “It is a fantastic opportunity for young and old to get some exercise, whether that be in the new fitness studio, playing basketball in the sports hall or running around on the astro turf pitches.”

The 2008 Beijing Olympics begin on August 8 and last for three weeks.

“The Olympics inspires people to start exercising but very few actually follow through with their good intentions,” said Mr Kelly. “So we’re making it easy for them – by giving them a free trial of our facilities, people can see what type of exercise they might enjoy doing on a regular basis.”

As little as two hours of exercise each week can improve wellbeing and keep the heart healthy. However with people leading busier lives than ever before it has never been harder to find time to keep fit.

“We believe that the more options we offer to help increase fitness the better,” said Mr Kelly. “Deciding on the best form of exercise can be hard - it has to fit in with your lifestyle, give you results quickly and safely and not be expensive.”

On Sunday the new fitness suite, astro turf pitches and sports hall activities at Woodford Lodge Sports Centre will be available free of charge from 9am until 6pm.

CADSART is a charitable organisation which operates a number of leisure centres around Cheshire, including Woodford Lodge and Northgate Arena in Chester