Forestry Commission is encouraging people to shake away the cobwebs and go green to get fit (From Hereford Times)
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Ideas to get fit in the forest, such as Mortimer Forest
8:00am Monday 11th February 2013 in Farming
The Forestry Commission is hoping to inspire people to take to forests, such as Mortimer Forest, to discover the possibilities for getting fit. Picture by Mark Bowen.
THE Forestry Commission is encouraging people to shake away the cobwebs and go green to get fit.
The commission is hoping to inspire residents to take to forests, such as Mortimer Forest which straddles the south Shropshire and north Herefordshire border, to discover the possibilities for getting fit.
It says time spent in natural environments - such as woodlands - significantly reduces stress levels and improves mental health.
“Research shows that even the easiest forms of exercise help prevent conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and arthritis," said Josephine Lavelle from the Forestry Commission.
"This coupled with the fact that forests have been scientifically proven to lower heart rates, blood pressure and stress-levels makes it clear that green spaces are the way to go when it comes to fitness."
Visit forestry.gov.uk for more information.
