Published: 4 days ago
When we launched our Healthy Hearts project, funded by Cash4Clubs, the goal was simple: get people in Cannock moving. What we didn't fully expect was just how much more it would become - a source of friendship, confidence, and a genuine daily habit for so many of the people who joined us.
Over the course of the project, we delivered 15 weekly beginners' fitness classes at Pye Green Community Centre in Cannock, focused on low-impact aerobics, mobility and flexibility, alongside 8 nature walks around Cannock Chase led by our supportive and compassionate instructor, Lindsay Lewis. The walks gave Lindsay the chance to get to know participants individually and offer tailored advice on their health and wellbeing. We also set up a supportive WhatsApp group, where members could share advice, recipes and health tips, and it's since grown into something much bigger than we imagined.
More than exercise
For many participants, these beginners fitness classes have become part of daily life. Some now walk Cannock Chase independently, without needing an instructor to lead the way. Others have gone on to join Lindsay's other classes, building on the confidence they found here.
For some, it's the only exercise they do all week. For couples, it's become valuable shared time - we welcomed a lovely husband and wife duo for their weekly quality time. And for the only male participant in the group, the sessions gave him something completely new to try: "It gets me out of the house," he told us, "and it's something I've never done before."
Building confidence, one step at a time
The physical changes have been real too. One participant shared that she now feels far more stable on her knee, a change she puts down directly to the sessions. Others spoke about the difference in how they feel day to day, including in Lindsay herself, whose own confidence and fitness have visibly grown alongside the group's.
A community that looks out for each other
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the friendships. Participants have told us the sessions helped them meet people in similar situations, build new friendships, and support one another beyond the walks themselves. That WhatsApp group has become a small, thriving community in its own right: people checking in, sharing tips, and organising walks together.
Several participants even told us they'd happily pay a small subsidy to keep the sessions running, which is a good sign of just how much value they place on this space.
Thank you
None of this would have been possible without the support of Cash4Clubs, whose funding made the Healthy Hearts project happen. We're proud of what this project has grown into, and even more proud of the people who've made it what it is.
We'd also like to say a huge thank you to our amazing instructor, Lindsay, whose own journey has been truly inspirational. A few years ago, Lindsay was recommended to exercise by her GP but wasn't sure where to start. She found Vibe Concepts classes in Cannock and began as a complete beginner, just like so many of the people she now supports. Since then, she's taken on many other classes, and in 2024 she trained to become an Exercise to Music instructor with Vibe Concepts herself. Along the way, she's gone from strength to strength, lost weight, and completely transformed her physical and mental wellbeing. She's a genuine inspiration, and an incredible asset to Vibe Life CIC.
If you'd like to find out more about our beginners fitness classes and walking group in Cannock, get in touch! We'd love to see you there!