Christmas fancy dress workout at Chester sports centre

Dec 3 2008 Chester Chronicle

CHESTER and District Sports and Recreation Trust (CADSART) is re-energising workplaces across Chester with a Christmas fancy dress workout.

The non-for-profit charitable organisation, which runs Northgate Arena and Christleton Sports Centre, is encouraging office workers in Chester to beat the post lunch slump with some exercise during their lunch break.

CADSART teamed up with Chester and District Housing Trust (CDHT) on Wednesday to hold a Christmas fancy dress workout at Northgate Arena to get their staff members fit and healthy.

Jon Kelly, operations manager of CADSART, said local employers should encourage their staff to get active at lunchtime.

“Taking a break in the middle of the day is really important for maintaining a high productivity level,” said Jon Kelly. “A lot of people do not even leave their desks at lunchtime and if they do it’s just to grab a sandwich, which can leave them feeling sluggish.”

He said a small amount of exercise at lunchtime could provide employees with a vital energy boost and avoid the post-lunch slump.

Fifty people signed up for the fancy dress workout at Northgate on December 3 and Mr Kelly is hoping the festive season will lure even more people away from their desks and into the gym.

“An hour lunch break is actually the perfect time for a quick workout and it will leave you feeling re-energized and refreshed for the afternoon,” said Mr Kelly. “It can be more difficult to find the motivation after work when you’re on your way home so why not utilise that hour in the middle of the day.”

CADSART have launched a new membership package tailored to professionals working in Chester who prefer to exercise in the morning before work or during their lunch hour.

The ‘Weekday Til 2’ package costs £18.95 per month and allows customers to use all the leisure centre facilities at Northgate Arena or Christleton Sports Centre until 2pm during the week.

Mark Ankers, a property advisor at CDHT, signed up for Northgate Arena’s ‘Weekday Til 2’ package and has been swimming every morning before work.

He said the exercise has made a huge difference to his energy levels and fits conveniently into his working day.

“I started going swimming at the Northgate Arena as I’m not really a gym person. The pool is sectioned off for serious swimmers and because I go at 6.30am it’s an ideal time as it’s not very busy,” he said.

“I am in and out and back home within an hour. Afterwards I feel much more awake and generally good about myself – it’s a good kick-start to the day ahead!”

Workplaces interested in taking part in the Christmas fancy dress workout should contact Northgate Arena on 01244 380444.