Get on your bike for a weekend of fitness!

TWO FREE events to encourage a fit and active lifestyle take place in Liverpool this weekend.

On Saturday, 6 February, the Olympic and Commonwealth medal winning cyclist Rob Hayles will start a community bike ride from Lifestyles Walton fitness centre. Bikers of all abilities are invited to take part in the ride, which gets underway at noon and takes in a return route along the Liverpool Loop Line Trans Pennine Trail to the National Wildflower Centre.

On Sunday 7 February, the Festival of Health and Activity takes place at Lifestyles Tennis Centre in Wavertree. The fun starts at 10:30am and features more than 80 exhibitors showcasing sports such as football, rugby, golf and tennis through to rock climbing, dance, arts and crafts, yoga and even cookery demonstrations.

Both events are part of 2010 Year of Health and Wellbeing, which aims to get as many people as possible feeling good and functioning well.

Councillor Ron Gould, Liverpool's executive member for health, said: "These two events are a great chance to find out how easy it is to get involved in a more active lifestyle.

"The Festival of Health and Activity is a brilliant day out for the whole family, and by taking part in fitness testing, watching live performances and getting involved in the interactive exhibitions you can get all the tips and advice you need to get a head start to a healthier lifestyle.

"Liverpool has some major health challenges and the city council and its health partners such as Liverpool PCT are committed to doing all we can to encourage and assist people to improve their health and wellbeing."

"Building small actions into your daily life can make you feel good, and feeling good is an important part of being healthy and that is what we want to achieve during our Year of Health and Wellbeing."

At the Festival of Health and Activity, people will also be able to find out more about Liverpool's 16 state-of-the-art Lifestyles fitness centres, and get information about the city's pioneering Futures and Seniors schemes which offers FREE passes to all under 17s and the over 60s.

Liverpool's Healthy Schools bus, which tours every primary school in the city showing pupils the importance of healthy eating and exercise, will also be on site during the event.

Gideon Ben-Tovim, Chair of Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "During 2010 we will be working to raise awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing, and this weekend's activities are a chance for everyone - regardless of age or ability - to start thinking about their lifestyle.

"Throughout the year there'll be a range of events and activities that will focus on helping people make achievable but important changes which can have a long-term positive effect on both their physical and mental wellbeing.

"Both the festival and the community cycle ride offer an opportunity for people to join together to consider their lifestyle choices and help them to improve the way they feel about themselves."

The cycling event on Saturday will start with a free cycle repair session at Lifestyles Walton at 10:30am. The ride will leave the sports centre for the National Wildflower Centre at noon, returning at 3:30pm. No booking is necessary but for enquiries or to confirm your attendance call 0151 288 8400 or email gavin.mcclaughlin@liverpoolpct.nhs.uk.

The FREE Festival of Health and Activity on Sunday is being run in partnership with SK EVENTS and takes place from 10:30am until 4:30pm.

More information about the Year of Health and Wellbeing can be found at www.2010healthandwellbeing.org.uk  

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