Celebrate Spring Equinox by preparing for the growing season ahead – two hours to learn how to keep yourself in tip top condition, so you can spring into gardening with energy and fewer aches and pains.

Gardening is not only good for the environment, it also has numerous health benefits, both physical and mental. However, it can be hard work. There’s lots of bending, lifting and digging that can be tough on the body and on the joints. By focusing on your own fitness, you’ll be able to grow more - whether on the allotment or in your garden. By growing more of your own food, you can work to reduce waste, as well as your waistline at the same time… It's a win win situation.

Learn practical exercises that will help you be strong for outdoor tasks. Personal Trainer Tracy Griffen teaches gardeners’ specific strength and flexibility exercises to aid recovery and maximise time in the garden. In addition, we’ll look at the prevention of common injuries. She’s also qualified in horticulture, and there will be a Q & A session at the end where we can exchange growing and fitness tips whilst enjoying some healthy snacks.

We welcome gardeners of all ages and abilities, you definitely don’t need to be fit to do this workshop.

What’s included:

· Gardening for functional fitness.

· Specific gardening strength exercises for core, legs and balance.

· Mindfulness for gardening, remembering our connection to the earth and the importance of growing.

· How to improve grip strength.

· Learn stretches to recover from heavy digging and weeding, and to prevent injuries.

· ‘Gardeners back’ specific exercises.

· Ideas for healthy snack ideas on the plot and eating for energy.

· Live snack demonstration and healthy vegan nibbles for the group.

· Q & A at the end. Meet new friends and swap stories.

· All exercises emailed to you after the session.

A fun and interactive workshop suitable for all ages and abilities. Seniors especially welcome.

What to wear / bring:

- Wear warm layers of clothing – we’ll be outdoors for an hour continually, with some movement, but nothing high intensity.

- Shoes, preferably waterproof. Hiking boots or study shoes.

Basically, wear what you’d wear in the garden, no fancy lycra required.

Please contact Tracy if you have any questions about the workshop content.

tracygriffen@gmail.com

If you have any questions about the venue, location or ticketing please contact Earth in Common directly.

This workshop is possible with support from ECCAN Greenlight Fund.