Fitness group open up doors

Jogscotland group members are pictured at Carluke before a training session.

Or maybe you’re just looking for a new hobby or a place to meet new people? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Organisation jogscotland can help you achieve all or any of these things. And Scotland’s recreational running network is starting a new training block at the John Cumming Stadium, Carluke.

The classes for all abilities start at 7pm on Wednesday, August 17, with registration for new members on Wednesday, August 12, from 6pm to 7pm, also at the stadium.

Stuart Gillespie, one of the jog leaders, said: “All groups are led by qualifiedstaff with one for all abilities from complete beginners to people training for longer distances.

“We also have a walking group. It doesn’t matter if you’re nervous about starting to exercise, we promise to make it a relaxed and enjoyable experience and build up your confidence and fitness in a friendly atmosphere.”

Jogscotland, which was established in 2002, now comprises a network of around 30,000 runners right across the country.

Members take part in friendly volunteer-led jog groups based in the community, sports centres and workplaces, doing everything from a short, gentle jog/walk to marathon training.

Nobody is ‘too slow’ to join jogscotland.

Beginner sessions include a combination of gentle jogging and walking, with a gradual increase in jogging as fitness and confidence begins to build.

Within 20 weeks of starting as a complete beginner, you will probably be able to run 5K (three miles).

The emphasis at every jogscotland group is on enjoying exercise and supporting one another in a friendly atmosphere.

Registration to join jogScotland is free and the cost is only £1 per session.

There are around 500 jogscotland groups across Scotland, meeting in sports centres, community halls, parks and businesses, and jogging on their local paths, pavements and trails.

The organisation has also developed resources for primary and secondary schools to encourage participation in recreational running.

Jogscotland is suitable for healthy adults of all ages, although, if you have any concerns about your ability to start a new exercise programme, it is always recommended that you check with your doctor first.

Already the organisation has had more than 30, 000 people come through its programme since it started in 2002, through their country-wide jogging groups.

And, as an organisation it’s one of the fastest growing of its kind.

But, if you’re still searching for an excuse not to go, you can’t avoid them for ever as they are even breaking into the ‘safety’ of your workplace, with more than 100 workplace groups now in place in companies across Scotland.

Junior jogscotland is also going down a storm, with over 1,200 primary schools and youth groups across the country using the junior jogscotland resource pack to help get youngsters enjoying physical activity once more rather than sitting on a computer.

The group ethos is based on children being able to make informed choices so that they can learn the importance of a healthy balanced lifestyle - something which is currently high on the priority list of the Scottish Government.

For more information on the Carluke group, just visit: http://www.facebook.com/carlukejogscotland, pop along to registration on August 12 or call Stuart on 07876 565189.