Hello,
I love this time of year when I can spend more time in the garden and on my allotment. The great thing about keeping up with exercise is that we can do the things we love more easily. We maintain the strength to lift something heavy or squat, flexibility to bend and reach and stamina to be able to do something for a useful amount of time. If you exercise regularly, you are less likely to suffer when you start being more active again.
Here are some exercises to help you with gardening from my favourite online Physio, Will Harlow: 
3 Best Exercises for Gardeners (Perfect for 50+)
And some more tips to prevent injuries from Patient Info:
How to prevent gardening injuries this spring

No Do Fitness classes on Monday 4 May (Bank Holiday) and Thursday evening 7 May.

Monday morning 8am Pilates
If you know anyone who has limited free time during the day due to work schedules, this class might be a perfect way to start the week.


Zoom chair-based classes for people with MS or other Neurological conditions
If you know anyone with MS or another neurological condition, and they would like to exercise from home, please ask them to get in touch with me for the link. The amazing local MS Society provides these classes for free. I teach them on Wednesdays and Fridays at lunchtime. There are also face-to-face classes twice a month and Hydro weekly.
Parkinson’s Disease
If you know anyone with Parkinson’s disease and they wish to start exercising in a supportive group, you could tell them about a class on Thursday afternoons at Galloways in Penwortham. I am covering this class until their wonderful teacher, Elaine comes back from her trip. It is a small friendly group with a lot of humour thrown into the mix. Exercise/circuit class Penwortham Preston | Parkinson’s local support finder


Timetable and booking
All classes can be booked through Gymcatch on Book a class – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden

Monday 4 May
May Day- no classes

Tuesday 5 May
10am  Forever Fit Euxton Community Centre (class full- waiting list) 
11.15am Chairfit Euxton Community Centre 
1.30pm Zumba Gold Primrose Gardens, Chorley

Wednesday 6 May- Prospect House, Sandy Lane 
9.30am Zumba 
10.30 am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30amChairfit 

Thursday 7 May
10am Seated Pilates St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive New
11.15am Chairfit St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive (class full – waiting list) 

No evening classes (I am presenting an award in memory of my late son Yianni)

Friday 8 May-Prospect House, Sandy Lane
9.30am Zumba
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Forever Fit


Volunteer Opportunity Leyland

Private Facebook group for Do Fitness class members
If you are a Facebook user please join our private group so we can keep in touch with each other www.facebook.com/groups/1113432258991949  
Do Fitness videos
This is the link to all the videos you can use any time Do Fitness Videos – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden and you can make your own playlist of your favourites.
Stamps – I am continuing to collect used stamps- they will be given to Galloways – the local sight loss charity Galloways Sight Loss Charity Preston 

x
Diane




 

Hello,
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of leading the warm-up for the Walk in the Dark for Rosemere Cancer Foundation. It is a fundraising event with over 500 people walking from Chorley Hospital to Royal Preston. The atmosphere is amazing, and the weather was exquisite last night with temperatures higher than in Greece. A few of our class members have received support from Rosemere, so it is nice to be able to give back.




What is Plantar Fasciitis and stretches to help
A few of my class members have suffered from this, so here is an explanation of what it is and how to help by stretching:

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Foot Pain: Stretches with Lilly Sabri | Patient Physio

No Do Fitness classes on Thursday 30 April, Thursday evening 7 May, Friday 1 May and Monday 4 May and Monday 25 May


Zoom chair-based classes for people with MS or other Neurological conditions
If you know anyone with MS or another neurological condition, and they would like to exercise from home, please ask them to get in touch with me for the link. The amazing local MS Society provides these classes for free. I teach them on Wednesdays and Fridays at lunchtime. There are also face-to-face classes twice a month and Hydro weekly.

Parkinson’s Disease
If you know anyone with Parkinson’s disease and they wish to start exercising in a supportive group, you could tell them about a class on Thursday afternoons at Galloways in Penwortham. I am covering this class until their wonderful teacher Elaine, comes back from her trip. It is a small friendly group with a lot of humour thrown into the mix. Exercise/circuit class Penwortham Preston | Parkinson’s local support finder

Monday morning 8am Pilates
If you know anyone who has limited free time during the day due to work schedules, this class might be a perfect way to start the week.

Timetable and booking
All classes can be booked through Gymcatch on Book a class – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden

Monday 27 April- Prospect House, Sandy Lane
8am Early Bird Pilates (booking essential)
9.30am Move It Mondays (booking essential)
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Zumba Gold
12.30pm Seated Pilates

2pm Chairfit – St Mary’s Community Centre, Broadfield Drive

Tuesday 28 April
10am  Forever Fit Euxton Community Centre (class full- waiting list) 
11.15am Chairfit Euxton Community Centre 
1.30pm Zumba Gold Primrose Gardens, Chorley

Wednesday 29 April- Prospect House, Sandy Lane 
9.30am Zumba 
10.30 am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30amChairfit 

Thursday 30 April
No classes

Friday 1 May-Prospect House, Sandy Lane
No classes



Volunteer Opportunity
A class member has asked me to share this below if anyone is looking for a volunteering opportunity:



Private Facebook group for Do Fitness class members
If you are a Facebook user please join our private group so we can keep in touch with each other www.facebook.com/groups/1113432258991949  
Do Fitness videos
This is the link to all the videos you can use any time Do Fitness Videos – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden and you can make your own playlist of your favourites.
Stamps – I am continuing to collect used stamps- they will be given to Galloways – the local sight loss charity Galloways Sight Loss Charity Preston 

x
Diane




 

Hello,
I had the pleasure of being invited to give a talk and Chairfit class for the WI in New Longton. As it is MS Awareness week next week, they asked me to talk about my experience of having MS and how it impacted my work as a fitness instructor. In 2015, I had problems with my speech, and after a CAT scan at Chorley Hospital, I was told I hadn’t had a stroke, so get dressed and go home. A year later, my left side started to malfunction, and I started to fall. Again, I was told by Chorley Hospital I hadn’t had a stroke, so go home, but an enlightened consultant insisted I was transferred to Preston for an MRI and hence my MS diagnosis. In one way, it was a relief to find out what was wrong, but it was really frightening too. With MS, it is so variable how it develops. I really thought I was going to be in a wheelchair quite quickly. I am so fortunate to have Relapsing-Remitting MS, so in theory, your symptoms resolve between attacks, but it always leaves some residual damage. What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? | MS Society  

Fun evening with the Hutton Howick WI

Zoom chair-based classes for people with MS or other Neurological conditions
If you know anyone with MS or another neurological condition, and they would like to exercise from home, please ask them to get in touch with me for the link. The amazing local MS Society provides these classes for free. I teach them on Wednesdays and Fridays at lunchtime. There are also face-to-face classes twice a month and Hydro weekly.

No Do Fitness classes on Thursday 30 April, Friday 1 May and Monday 4 May


Parkinson’s Disease
If you know anyone with Parkinson’s disease and they wish to start exercising in a supportive group you could tell them about a class on Thursday afternoons at Galloways in Penwortham. I am covering this class until their wonderful teacher Elaine comes back from her trip. It is a small friendly group with a lot of humour thrown into the mix. Exercise/circuit class Penwortham Preston | Parkinson’s local support finder

Monday morning 8am Pilates
If you know anyone who has limited free time during the day due to work schedules, this class might be a perfect way to start the week.


Timetable and booking
All classes can be booked through Gymcatch on Book a class – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden

Monday 20 April- Prospect House, Sandy Lane
8am Early Bird Pilates 
9.30am Move It Mondays (booking essential)
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Zumba Gold
12.30pm Seated Pilates

2pm Chairfit – St Mary’s Community Centre, Broadfield Drive

Tuesday 21 April
10am  Forever Fit Euxton Community Centre (class full- waiting list) 
11.15am Chairfit Euxton Community Centre 
1.30pm Zumba Gold Primrose Gardens, Chorley

Wednesday 22 April- Prospect House, Sandy Lane 
9.30am Zumba 
10.30 am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30amChairfit 

Thursday 23 April
10am Seated Pilates St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive New
11.15am Chairfit St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive (class full – waiting list) 

6.30pm Zumba Prospect House
7.30pm Pilates

Friday 24 April-Prospect House
9.30am Zumba
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Forever Fit


Private Facebook group for Do Fitness class members
If you are a Facebook user please join our private group so we can keep in touch with each other www.facebook.com/groups/1113432258991949  
Do Fitness videos
This is the link to all the videos you can use any time Do Fitness Videos – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden and you can make your own playlist of your favourites.
Stamps – I am continuing to collect used stamps- they will be given to Galloways – the local sight loss charity Galloways Sight Loss Charity Preston 

x
Diane

Hello,
I hope you had a good Easter. Classes start back tomorrow, Monday, 13 April. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. 

How is your posture?
You are most probably reading this email on your phone. Think about the way you are sitting and your neck and back position. This position can have quite an impact on your health if you are doing it for long periods of time. ‘Text neck’ doesn’t just affect young people, but may be impacting the older generation, too. How it affects your health is discussed in the article How can your posture affect your overall health?
And here are some fixes:
3 Best Exercises to FIX Bad Posture!


Latest Videos Chairfit and Zumba
I have added more videos to our YouTube channel for Chairfit and Zumba for you to use anytime.

Chairfit
Chairfit Wellerman(Sea Shanty)-Nathan Evans
Chairfit Rum and Coca-Cola- The Andrews Sisters

Zumba
Rum ‘n’ cocacola (Shake It Up Well) radio mix TimTim Zumba
Gitana-Claydee & Lil Eddie Zumba
Carita Bonita – Lil Silvio & El Vega Zumba
Boom Body – Shaggy, Akon & Aidonia



Seated Pilates Class Thursdays 10am at St Mary’s Community Centre, Leyland
This class is on Thursdays 10am  at St Mary’s Community Centre on Broadfield Drive. There is even a free coffee before or after the class, too!

Our first class.

Zoom chair-based classes for people with MS or other Neurological conditions
If you know anyone with MS or another neurological condition, and they would like to exercise from home, please ask them to get in touch with me for the link. The amazing local MS Society provides these classes for free. I teach them on Wednesdays and Fridays at lunchtime. There are also face-to-face classes twice a month and Hydro weekly.

Parkinson’s Disease
If you know anyone with Parkinson’s disease and they wish to start exercising in a supportive group you could tell them about a class on Thursday afternoons at Galloways in Penwortham. I am covering this class until their wonderful teacher Elaine comes back from her trip. It is a small friendly group with a lot of humour thrown into the mix. Exercise/circuit class Penwortham Preston | Parkinson’s local support finder

Monday morning 8am Pilates
If you know anyone who has limited free time during the day due to work schedules, this class might be a perfect way to start the week.


Timetable and booking
All classes can be booked through Gymcatch on Book a class – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden

Monday 13 April- Prospect House, Sandy Lane
8am Early Bird Pilates 
9.30am Move It Mondays (booking essential)
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Zumba Gold
12.30pm Seated Pilates

2pm Chairfit – St Mary’s Community Centre, Broadfield Drive

Tuesday 14 April
10am  Forever Fit Euxton Community Centre (class full- waiting list) 
11.15am Chairfit Euxton Community Centre 
1.30pm Zumba Gold Primrose Gardens, Chorley

Wednesday 15 April- Prospect House, Sandy Lane 
9.30am Zumba 
10.30 am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30amChairfit 

Thursday 16 April
10am Seated Pilates St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive New
11.15am Chairfit St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive (class full – waiting list) 

6.30pm Zumba Prospect House
7.30pm Pilates

Friday 17 April-Prospect House
9.30am Zumba
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Forever Fit


Private Facebook group for Do Fitness class members
If you are a Facebook user, please join our private group so we can keep in touch with each other www.facebook.com/groups/1113432258991949  
Do Fitness videos
This is the link to all the videos you can use any time Do Fitness Videos – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden and you can make your own playlist of your favourites.
Stamps – I am continuing to collect used stamps- they will be given to Galloways – the local sight loss charity Galloways Sight Loss Charity Preston 

x
Diane

Hello,
Just a quick message today to wish you a Happy Easter and to welcome you if you joined us recently.
We have a booking system for classes which I encourage people to use if possible Book a class – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden – it means I know who to expect and how to pitch the class.  You can cancel on the Gymcatch system up to the start of the class and receive a class credit so nothing is lost and I will automatically know you are not coming.

Easter holiday dates 
No classes from Monday, 30 March, until we start again on 13 April.
                     

New Videos Chairfit and Zumba
I have added more videos to our YouTube channel for Chairfit and Zumba for you to use anytime.

Chairfit
Chairfit Wellerman(Sea Shanty)-Nathan Evans
Chairfit Rum and Coca-Cola- The Andrews Sisters

Zumba
Rum ‘n’ cocacola (Shake It Up Well) radio mix TimTim Zumba
Gitana-Claydee & Lil Eddie Zumba
Carita Bonita – Lil Silvio & El Vega Zumba
Boom Body – Shaggy, Akon & Aidonia


Seated Pilates Class Thursdays 10am at St Mary’s Community Centre, Leyland
This class is on Thursdays 10am  at St Mary’s Community Centre on Broadfield Drive. There is even a free coffee before or after the class, too!

Our first class.

Zoom chair-based classes for people with MS or other Neurological conditions
If you know anyone with MS or another neurological condition, and they would like to exercise from home, please ask them to get in touch with me for the link. The amazing local MS Society provides these classes for free. I teach them on Wednesdays and Fridays at lunchtime. There are also face-to-face classes twice a month and Hydro weekly.

Parkinson’s Disease
If you know anyone with Parkinson’s disease and they wish to start exercising in a supportive group you could tell them about a class on Thursday afternoons at Galloways in Penwortham. I am covering this class until their wonderful teacher Elaine comes back from her trip. It is a small friendly group with a lot of humour thrown into the mix. Exercise/circuit class Penwortham Preston | Parkinson’s local support finder

Monday morning 8am Pilates
If you know anyone who has limited free time during the day due to work schedules, this class might be a perfect way to start the week.


Timetable and booking
All classes can be booked through Gymcatch on Book a class – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden

Monday 13 April- Prospect House, Sandy Lane
8am Early Bird Pilates 
9.30am Move It Mondays (booking essential)
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Zumba Gold
12.30pm Seated Pilates

2pm Chairfit – St Mary’s Community Centre, Broadfield Drive

Tuesday 14 April
10am  Forever Fit Euxton Community Centre (class full- waiting list) 
11.15am Chairfit Euxton Community Centre 
1.30pm Zumba Gold Primrose Gardens, Chorley

Wednesday 15 April- Prospect House, Sandy Lane 
9.30am Zumba 
10.30 am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30amChairfit 

Thursday 16 April
10am Seated Pilates St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive New
11.15am Chairfit St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive (class full – waiting list) 

6.30pm Zumba Prospect House
7.30pm Pilates

Friday 17 April-Prospect House
9.30am Zumba
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Forever Fit


Private Facebook group for Do Fitness class members
If you are a Facebook user please join our private group so we can keep in touch with each other www.facebook.com/groups/1113432258991949  
Do Fitness videos
This is the link to all the videos you can use any time Do Fitness Videos – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden and you can make your own playlist of your favourites.
Stamps – I am continuing to collect used stamps- they will be given to Galloways – the local sight loss charity Galloways Sight Loss Charity Preston 

x
Diane

Hello,
I absolutely love this time of year when we have sunshine, and everything seems to be coming alive again. The bulbs you planted months ago are turning into gorgeous tulips and daffodils, and I can get back to my allotment and start planning what I am going to grow this year. Simple pleasures, but so beneficial.

Easter holiday dates 
No classes from Monday, 30 March, until we start again on 13 April.
                   
New Videos Chairfit and Zumba
I have added more videos to our YouTube channel for Chairfit and Zumba for you to use anytime.

Chairfit
Chairfit Wellerman(Sea Shanty)-Nathan Evans
Chairfit Rum and Coca-Cola- The Andrews Sisters

Zumba
Rum ‘n’ cocacola (Shake It Up Well) radio mix TimTim Zumba
Gitana-Claydee & Lil Eddie Zumba
Carita Bonita – Lil Silvio & El Vega Zumba
Boom Body – Shaggy, Akon & Aidonia

Seated Pilates Class Thursdays 10am at St Mary’s Community Centre, Leyland
This class is on Thursdays 10am  at St Mary’s Community Centre on Broadfield Drive. There is even a free coffee before or after the class, too!

Our first class.

Zoom chair-based classes for people with MS or other Neurological conditions
If you know anyone with MS or another neurological condition, and they would like to exercise from home, please ask them to get in touch with me for the link. The amazing local MS Society provides these classes for free. I teach them on Wednesdays and Fridays at lunchtime. There are also face-to-face classes twice a month and Hydro weekly.

Monday morning 8am Pilates
If you know anyone who has limited free time during the day due to work schedules, this class might be a perfect way to start the week.


Timetable and booking
All classes can be booked through Gymcatch on Book a class – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden

Monday 23 March- Prospect House, Sandy Lane
8am Early Bird Pilates 
9.30am Move It Mondays (booking essential)
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Zumba Gold
12.30pm Seated Pilates

2pm Chairfit – St Mary’s Community Centre, Broadfield Drive

Tuesday 24 March
10am  Forever Fit Euxton Community Centre (class full- waiting list) 
11.15am Chairfit Euxton Community Centre 
1.30pm Zumba Gold Primrose Gardens, Chorley

Wednesday 25 March- Prospect House, Sandy Lane 
9.30am Zumba 
10.30 am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30amChairfit 

Thursday 26 March
10am Seated Pilates St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive New
11.15am Chairfit St Mary’s Community Centre Broadfield Drive (class full – waiting list) 

6.30pm Zumba Prospect House
7.30pm Pilates

Friday 27 March-Prospect House
9.30am Zumba
10.30am Pilates (booking essential)
11.30am Forever Fit


Private Facebook group for Do Fitness class members
If you are a Facebook user please join our private group so we can keep in touch with each other www.facebook.com/groups/1113432258991949  
Do Fitness videos
This is the link to all the videos you can use any time Do Fitness Videos – Do Fitness with Diane Oakden and you can make your own playlist of your favourites.
Stamps – I am continuing to collect used stamps- they will be given to Galloways – the local sight loss charity Galloways Sight Loss Charity Preston 

x
Diane