Every day of the week, you’ll find people like Ronnie walking the one-mile path around our Douglas Eyre Sports Centre playing field in Walthamstow.
“It has improved my health by giving me more energy,” says Ronnie. “I find I walk more than take the bus, and it’s improved my breathing and stamina. It’s near, free and all the staff are friendly and helpful.”
Ronnie is one of 300 people who have signed up to our Green Hearts project in Walthamstow since it launched in 2017. Our Green Hearts paths offer a safe place for people who aren’t currently physically active to start to enjoy the health benefits of exercise.
If you’re a Brentford or Walthamstow resident, you just need to register for Green Hearts to start using the path at Boston Manor Playing Field and Douglas Eyre Sports Centre and access activities for free.
The path is marked out with quarter-mile posts around the perimeter of the field so you can track the distance you walk, jog or run and monitor your progress. It’s open during daylight hours seven days a week so you can exercise at your own pace, at a time that suits you. No special equipment or clothing is required – except suitable footwear if it rains.
Register for Green Hearts to help you live a healthier lifestyle
Improving health and wellbeing. In the UK, 17% of deaths are caused by inactivity. It is estimated that physical inactivity costs the economy £7.4 billion in premature deaths, healthcare and sickness absence. Green Hearts supports people who live sedentary lifestyles to get fit and healthy, improving their mental health.
Encouraging people to be more active. Many people who sign up to do some informal walking have gone to try running, led walks and yoga activities offered through Green Hearts.
“It’s been amazing to have these Green Hearts activities. They seem to fit in like a jigsaw piece around life. The timing and crossover of activities has allowed me to do things for myself as well as for the children.”
Bringing communities together through sport. Playing fields are traditionally used by sports club members. This project opens them up to the whole community. It provides a safe and welcoming environment where local people feel comfortable exercising.
Register for Green Hearts online and start enjoying the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Your children are welcome to walk around the path with you and don’t need to register.
When you sign up, you’ll receive a Welcome Pack with more details about the path and tips to help you start exercising safely.
“Joining the led Green Hearts walk programme has given us access to a sociable and peaceful space at Douglas Eyre Sports Centre.”
If you have any questions about anything to do with Green Hearts, please call us on 020 7323 0331 or email jo.mckenzie@lpff.org.uk
