A British wrestler who defeated cancer is hoping to deliver another body slam to the disease at Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre.

Kris Travis’ dream of becoming an international superstar was put on hold when he was diagnosed with the disease last October.

The 31-year-old, from Sheffield, reached the finals of the American company TNA’s British Boot Camp 2 competition. But the ‘Shooting Star’ was forced to withdraw from the series and was warned by doctors that he might never wrestle again.

He underwent 18 weeks of gruelling chemotherapy treatment after having surgery to remove a tumour in his stomach and has recently returned to the ring.

Kris is part of an amazing line up, including Lincoln’s own Hayden ‘Dutch’ Loeve who will be competing at the event in aid of St Barnabas Hospice and Sophie’s Cancer Journey on October 9th.

The Bodyslams To Cancer fight is the annual charity event organised by Dutch in memory of his mum Dee Mansell who died from the disease before she ever got to see him fight in the ring.

Dutch said: “We aim to smash last year’s total of £2,135 raised and know that with the support of Kris, the other fighters and the wrestling fans we are on track to have a brilliant night and help to fight this awful disease.”

Before his diagnosis, 6ft 1in Travis wowed audiences with stand-out performances against the likes of current WWE Superstars Kevin Owens and Finn Bálor and the cream of the British wrestling scene.

In 2013 he was voted by Power Slam magazine as one of the top 50 wrestlers in the world and stormed the Fighting Spirit Magazine Awards, winning UK Wrestler of the Year, UK Tag Team of the Year and UK Pro Wrestling Match of the Year.

So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets today to see this international wrestler in action on October 9^th and help to deliver a Body Slam To Cancer. Visit: www.lincswrestling.co.uk

The post International Wrestler Who Fought Cancer Will Deliver A Body Slam To The Disease At Yarborough Leisure Centre! appeared first on Active Nation.

Research shows smokers are 67% more likely to quit if their partner also stops smoking and 36% more likely to quit if a friend stops. Smokers across the country are being urged to sign up to Stoptober, the country’s 28-day mass quit attempt from Public Health England (PHE), and receive support and encouragement every step of the way from some of the nation’s top comedians.

To stand an even better chance of quitting, those taking part are encouraged to sign up with their friends, family and colleagues, as evidence reveals that this type of ‘social quitting’ can dramatically improve people’s chances of successfully stopping.

This year, Stoptober will be providing quitters with a personal touch from some of the nation’s leading comedians: Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi. Messages of support and encouragement will be sent straight to their phones and emails throughout October.

Over a quarter of a million people across the country signed up to Stoptober last year with more than half making it to 28 days. By stopping smoking for 28 days you are 5 times more likely to stop for good.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: “Smoking is still our biggest preventable killer: 80,000 people die a year in England because of smoking, and so stopping smoking is the single best thing a person can do for their health.”

Rhod Gilbert added: “I smoked for about 25 years and probably spent 23 of those trying to quit, trying everything you can think of to kick the habit. I know first hand that it can be hard to find the motivation to quit, but Stoptober is the perfect time to give it a go.

“Not only will you be joining thousands of others taking part, you’ll also have exclusive support from myself, Bill Bailey, Shappi Khorsandi and the Pub Landlord, as well as access to lots of other help along the way. My advice to those taking on Stoptober would be to take the 28 days one day at a time.”

To sign up to the nation’s biggest mass quit attempt, search Stoptober online or visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober.

The post Take the Challenge This Stoptober And Quit With Friends And Family! appeared first on Active Nation.

Dozens of young sailors had a brilliant time at Active Nation’s Annual OnBoard Festival at Southampton Water Activities Centre.

Nearly 70 children enjoyed an action packed day, full of raft building, sailing treasure hunts, tasters and teambuilding activities at the event organised by Active Nation and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

The young competitors came from schools and clubs around the south coast including Hill Head Sailing Club, Portchester Sailing Club, SWAC, Princes Mead School, Hamble River Sailing Club, Emsworth Sailing Club and Hythe Sailing Club.

Over the last year many had learnt to sail through the RYA’s OnBoard programme – a grass roots project aimed at introducing sailing and windsurfing to young people aged 8 to 18, through schools, youth groups and training centres.

Congratulations to Hill Head Sailing Club who took home both first place (Ben French), and second place (Charlie Holyer and Joshua Lappin). In joint third place were Sophia Daglish and Florence Paget, both from Hill Head, and Ewan Pett of Hythe Sailing Club.

The RYA’s Onboard development officer, Hannah Cockle, who helped to organise the event said: “I was so pleased with how the day worked out. We got all children on and in the water and everyone had huge smiles on their faces.

“It’s great to see so many children in the area enjoying the sport and getting stuck in with some new challenges. Hopefully it will keep their interest up and they will return to OnBoard next year!”

Active Nation’s Max Bradbury-Knight, who helped Hannah organise the event added: “The day was a huge success. We persuaded nearly 70 children to try new activities, get afloat and enjoy practicing their newly learnt sailing skills.

“Each year this event grows and is becoming hugely popular with the sailing clubs which operate locally. Well done to everybody who got on (or in!) the water and I look forward to seeing you again next year!”

If you would like to enjoy some time on the water, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team at SWAC on 02380 915 753 or email: info@swac.co.uk – we’ll be happy to have a conversation.

The post Dozens Of Children Get OnBoard For Action Packed SWAC Festival! appeared first on Active Nation.

Active Nation were proud sponsors of this year’s British Cycling National Road Race Championships and have welcomed news the brilliant event has inspired thousands of people to get on their bikes.

A study conducted by Lincolnshire Sport has shown that the National Road Race Championships brought 30,000 people to the Lincolnshire circuit – including Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre – raising more than £2.25million for the local economy.

The four day festival of cycling attracted some of the world’s elite riders including Pete Kennaugh, Mark Cavendish, Lizzie Armitstead, Dame Sarah Storey and Laura Trott.

58% of those surveyed said they had been inspired to take up cycling or cycle more often as result of visiting the Championships. A similar number also said they would encourage their children and immediate family to get out on their bikes.

Active Nation’s Lincoln contract manager Stuart Blackbourn said: “The Championships were a huge success from start to finish and something that we as a charity were proud to sponsor. It’s brilliant to hear that so many people have been inspired to get active as a result of watching the competitions.”

Marc Rhodes, Marketing and Events Officer at Lincolnshire Sport, who conducted the survey said: “It was fantastic to have such a high profile sporting event taking place in Lincolnshire and we are delighted to be able to demonstrate the benefits of hosting such events for the local economy and tourism, as well as seeing that many people have been inspired to take up cycling.”

The Championships, and supporting events, attracted visitors from all over the UK and even as far afield as the United States, increasing Lincolnshire’s reputation as a location for tourism and elite sport.

Race Organiser, Ian Emmerson OBE said: “The resultant economic benefit to the area of £2.25 million shows what an event of this magnitude can bring to the county and is a fitting return for the support given to the championships by the local authorities and sponsors.

“The return also gained from the many hours of live television coverage and subsequent recorded transmissions is unmeasurable but was publicity for the county that would cost millions to buy.

“The ongoing benefits to the economy will also come from those visiting for the first time and returning in the future plus the health benefits coming from more wanting to take up cycling and other exercise.”

Feeling inspired to get cycling? We have just launched some brilliant Watt Bike packages at Yarborough Leisure Centre. Click here for more information: http://activenation.dev/?p=10923

The post Thousands Inspired To Get Cycling Thanks To British Cycling National Road Race Championships appeared first on Active Nation.

Are you up for a challenge? To celebrate the arrival of the British Cycling National Road Championships we are holding a brilliant Spinathon – Endurance Ride on the morning the Road Race comes to Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre. We’re also inviting everyone who comes to a cycling class, either at Yarborough or Birchwood Leisure Centre – from June 25^th to 28^th – to bring a friend with them for FREE!

Cycling is very much at the heart of Active Nation and our mission to persuade the nation to be active – and we believe our support of the British Cycling National Road Championships will inspire many of our supporters to get back on their bikes.

The competition kicks off on Thursday with the national Time Trials at Cadwell Park near Louth and comes to Lincoln on Sunday when the National Road Race sets off from Yarborough Leisure Centre.

Not only is cycling a great sport to watch, but it is something that is accessible to all, great fun and good for the planet too!

Cycling is the third most popular recreational activity in the UK. An estimated 3.1 million people ride a bicycle each month – all of these people can’t be wrong – so what is it that makes cycling so good?

Cycling is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine because it’s also a form of transport. It saves you money, gets you fit and is good for the environment.

It’s a low-impact type of exercise, so it’s easier on your joints than running or other high-impact aerobic activities. But it still helps you get into shape.

Someone who weighs 80kg (12st 9lb) will burn more than 650 calories with an hour’s riding, and tone their legs and bottom. If you ride up hills or off-road, you’ll also work your upper body.

Studies have shown that regular cyclists enjoy the general health of someone approximately 10 years younger.

So what are you waiting for? Book a class for you and your friend today!

Soak up all of the excitement and action as the professionals come to Yarborough and take part in the brilliant Spinathon on June 28^th from 8.30am-12.30pm. Sign up, get on one of our Keiser studio bikes and get pedalling. Cycle for an hour – or even longer if you think you can last the distance! The sessions are free but any donations will help us continue our work as a charity. All entrants will be entered into a prize draw!

Give us a call today Birchwood: 01522 873696 and Yarborough: 01522 873600.

The post Join The Celebrations As The British Cycling National Road Championships Come To Active Nation! appeared first on Active Nation.

Last year 338 people lost their lives to drowning – many of these deaths could have been prevented. This is why Drowning Prevention Week, the national campaign run by the Royal Life Saving Society UK, aims to raise awareness and reduce the number of accidental drownings that occur in the UK each year.

These shocking statistics make drowning one of the biggest causes of accidental death in children in the UK which is why Active Nation is one of the many organisations supporting Drowning Prevention Week and its work.

Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Vicki Hartley-Kite, said: “We work tirelessly to raise awareness of water safety education and the issue of drowning in the UK. We want to stop the unnecessary loss of life to drowning in the UK and help people to enjoy water related activities safely.”

To mark the launch of this year’s campaign, RLSS UK has launched a hard-hitting film which features people from across the UK who have lost someone to drowning and share their tragic experiences. To watch and share ‘Beneath the Surface – the Families’ Stories’ visit the RLSS UK YouTube channel http://youtu.be/YYUp4A43370

RLSS UK Chief Executive, Di Steer, added:“We can’t do it alone. We need everyone’s help to raise awareness about the reality of accidental drowning, and to get water safety at the forefront of people’s minds. We rely heavily on other organisations and groups to spread the word and we hope as many people as possible can get behind this year’s campaign.”

Former Olympic swimmer, and RLSS UK Ambassador, Mark Foster urged organisations to get involved with the campaign. He said: “The second most important thing after learning to swim, is to make sure you know what to do if someone gets into difficulties in the water, and that’s why I am delighted to be the RLSS UK ambassador to encourage everyone to participate in Drowning Prevention Week.”

Give you nearest Active Nation pool a call and ask about our Learn To Swim programme and the RLSS Rookie Lifeguard awards. For more information on Drowning Prevention Week and the RLSS visit: www.rlss.org.uk

The post Drowning Prevention Week – 20th-28th June 2015 appeared first on Active Nation.

Active Nation have joined forces with volunteer John Sennett to set a World Record for the ‘Most People In A Rounders Exhibition Match’ and we need YOU!

This brilliant event will be taking place on Sunday 30th August at Active Nation’s Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre, with registration at 12pm and the record attempt starting at 1pm.

This will be a huge celebration for the city with lots of activities happening across the venue – with the record attempt being the main highlight of the day. Not only are we all attempting to gain a world record, but it’s a great opportunity to bring the local community together and help raise funds to set-up a brand new Rounders club and programme.

The aim is to get 100 people taking part in the same Rounders match – at the same time – at the same venue.

This event has been the brainchild of 23-year-old John who has logged around 900 hours of volunteering over the last 2-and-a-half years, all through sport. Either through projects, events, coaching and anything he feels he can help with.

He was voted vinspired’s volunteer of the month in January 2015 and was also awarded a 100 hour award by the Mayor of Southampton at the Southampton Voluntary Services awards. He also helps inspired others to volunteer through his blog: www.johnsroadtovolunteering.weebly.com

He said: “This is a brilliant chance to make history with Active Nation, so don’t pass up your chance to be an official World Record Holder! We hope the impact of this event will be long lasting and help many more people enjoy this sport for years to come.”

John truly is an inspirational man who is determined to bring this record to Southampton – with our help and yours we know he can make it happen!

If you aged 14 years or older and would like to be apart of this World Record bid please get in touch! Places will be allocated  on a first come first served basis and once your place has been confirmed you will be asked for a minimum £2 donation to take part in the event.

Volunteers are also needed to make up the  Record Crew. This  will comprise of volunteers in various roles, including  registration, marshalling, officiating, filming and photography.

For more information or to express your interest in volunteering or setting the record please contact: Robert Pearce- robert.pearce@activenation.org.uk or call 023 8070 7802.

The post Do You Want To Be Part Of Our World Record Breaking Team? appeared first on Active Nation.

It’s just days to go until June 25th when the battle for the British Cycling National Time Trial Championships takes place with the Best of British meeting at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire.

Three champions will be crowned during this hectic afternoon which kicks offs at 12noon with Scott Davies defending the Under 23 Championship over the 21 mile course taking in the undulating terrain of Cadwell Park and two laps of a difficult 7 mile circuit in the Lincolnshire Wolds. This includes the long and very fast descent in to Ruckland and the 1 in 6 sharp climb out of the village.

The start will be heralded with the roar of a fly past by the Dakota C-47 from the RAF Battle of Britain flight based at nearby RAF Coningsby and the first rider home will hear a different roar as 600 schoolchildren perform a mass Samba in the finish area. This excitement will continue through the early afternoon as the children perform several pop-ups around the venue.

Scott Davies riding in the 100%ME colours will face a challenge from Team Wiggins rider Owain Doull, Axeon’s Tao Geoghegan Hart and JLT Condor’s Harry Tanfield who start off before him in the final positions of the 67 strong entry.

The Women’s Championship follows the Under 23 men out on to the circuit at 1.30pm and a new champion will be crowned with the 2104 winner Emma Pooley now back to Triathlon, with a 56 strong list of budding champions taking the timekeeper’s countdown. Last off will be Pearl Izumi rider Katie Archibald who will be chasing Elinor Barker of Matrix Fitness and multiple Olympic Gold Medal Winner Dame Sarah Storey, also Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International. But again there are 53 others wanting to win this 21 mile race against the clock.

Then follows 60 riders in the Elite Men Championship over the same route but taking in 3 laps of the 7 mile external loop for 28 miles with bets on whether this will be covered inside the magic hour.

This could well be a possibility with Geraint Thomas, Alex Dowsett, James McLaughlin, Matt Bottrill, Mark Christian and Stephen Cummings the last 6 riders to start in what promises to be a cliff hanger of an event.

First man off will be Adam Gascoigne from Pedal Power Loughborough taking the countdown at 4pm with last man off Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas expected to finish at 6.10pm. The Championship presentation follows.

Entry to Cadwell Park is ticketed by car with advance sales online HERE which also has full information on all the championships programme of events. Entry is just £12 per car in advance with cyclists arriving on two wheels gaining free entry.

The post Countdown To The British Cycling National Time Trial Championships! appeared first on Active Nation.

The number of people with diabetes in the UK has reached an all-time high of 3.9 million, according to new figures released today by Diabetes UK.

Statistics, published at the start of Diabetes Week, show that there were 3,333,069 adults registered with diabetes in 2013-2014, an increase of more than 125,000 adults compared to the previous year. An additional 590,000 adults are also estimated to be living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.

Bridget Turner, Diabetes UK Director of Policy, said: “Over the last decade we have seen the number of people with diabetes rising at an alarming rate and these latest figures are a stark call to action – we must act now or face the very real danger of diabetes devastating the lives of even more people, and threatening to wreck the already over-burdened NHS.”

The good news is that for most people Type 2 diabetes is not inevitable. In fact, unlike Type 1 diabetes, which cannot be prevented, a staggering 80 per cent of cases could be delayed or prevented if everyone who is at risk made a few simple lifestyle changes.

Some risk factors such as age, family history and ethnicity cannot be changed, but the most important risk factor is being overweight.

Maintaining a healthy weight by doing regular physical activity and eating a healthy, balanced diet is the key to reducing your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.

Active Nation supporter Suzanne Pindred is a brilliant example of how to tackle the disease. The Birchwood Leisure Centre regular turned to exercise to combat borderline diabetes, breast cancer and improve her overall fitness through a GP Referral Programme.

Suzanne said: “My advice to everyone is just get moving! Do whatever it is you can – whatever you like to do. It all makes a difference.

“Bring a friend with you, drag them along! It’s so much more fun if you’ve got someone to work out with. Even if you haven’t got someone, you will always make friends at the gym and in the classes and can then arrange to meet up.”

Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days a week.

Follow Suzanne’s advice as getting fit with others can be motivating, fun and you’re twice as likely to reach your exercise goals if you workout with a friend! Rather than just meeting for a coffee, why not go for a walk first or call into your nearest Active Nation venue for a swim, class or gym workout together?

Try something new! From aqua-aerobics to Zumba and Yoga, there is a type of exercise to suit everyone. If you find something that you enjoy doing you’re much more likely to keep it up, keep your weight down and keep Type 2 Diabetes at bay.

Diabetes UK is urging everyone with diabetes to seek out the support and education they need. Find out more at www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek  or search #DiabetesandMe on Twitter.

The post Get Active And Help Keep Diabetes At Bay! appeared first on Active Nation.

Packed full of events and helpful tips on how you can make the simple switch to cycling, Bike Week 2015 is a brilliant reminder that cycling is a really enjoyable, active and convenient way to get around.

Whether it’s for fun, as a means of getting to work or school, to get to the shops or just to visit friends, Bike Week provides a one stop shop of events and inspiration to get you onto the saddle.

With cycling becoming more popular than ever, more and more people are taking up cycling as an easy and efficient way to travel. According to the National Travel Survey, over 4.6 million people cycle 3 or more times a week.

Prime Minister, David Cameron has also expressed his support for cycling in a recent letter to the campaign’s organiser CTC: “I’m a huge cycling fan – a great, fun, healthy and convenient way to get around. I don’t get to cycle anywhere near as often as I once did, but my enthusiasm for cycling – either as a sport, as a leisure activity, or as a form of transport – has not waned.”

With hundreds of events planned throughout the UK, Bike Week events include leisure rides, cycle to work ‘buddy’ rides, and bike breakfasts, with this year’s lead theme being ‘ride to work’.

National cycling charity, CTC’s Bike Week Coordinator, Jonathan Sharpe said “We know that many people ride to work already, but if they don’t, Bike Week is the perfect opportunity to start.”

With the British Cycling National Road Championships coming just days after Bike Week concludes this really is a great time to get inspired and get pedalling!

For more information about Bike Week 2015 and events near you visit: www.bikeweek.org.uk

The post Bike Week To Get Half A Million People Cycling: 13th – 21st June appeared first on Active Nation.