Original British technical clothing company, Rohan, has teamed up with celebrity personal trainer Matt Roberts to help people enjoy the benefits of walking – with a new, free walking fitness programme, ‘Rohan StrideFit’, which launches in Beverley on 24 September 2011.
Research shows that although 60% of adults in Yorkshire and the Humber would like to walk outside for exercise more often1, 10% don’t know how to get started and 10% are worried they are not fit enough. In response, the 12-week Rohan StrideFit programme has been developed with long-time Rohan supporter, Matt Roberts – one of the world’s leading personal trainers, who is responsible for creating some of the most famous physiques in fashion and music – including Naomi Campbell, Tom Ford, Amanda Holden and Mel C.
Beverley is one of only four Rohan stores across the UK that has been selected to pilot the programme which, if successful, will roll out to 20 new stores in the New Year. The programme kicks off on Saturday 24 September at the Rohan store, 26 Butcher Row.
There, StrideFit participants will have their walking ‘type’ assessed with an RSscan footscan® which provides an analysis of individual foot posture. This combined with information about the sort of walking a person would like to do will help trained advisors recommend the most appropriate footwear for people’s needs.
Weekly Sunday training sessions will then take place at the store but, depending on demand, additional sessions may be arranged on other days. At these sessions participants will be able to take part in the full 12-week programme to improve walking fitness.
Embracing the Rohan ethos of ‘Live More, Outdoors’, StrideFit is designed to build walking confidence and enjoyment for everyone from novices to experienced walkers. It is a programme of exercises to increase strength and mobility incorporated into guided local walking trips – because research shows that nearly a quarter (22%) of people in Yorkshire and the Humber would be encouraged to walk outside for exercise more if they had information about local walking paths.
Becky Serieys, Rohan Brand Development Manager, says:
“The programme is designed to show people just how easy walking for exercise is, and how it can fit into everyday lifestyles – because 28% say that lack of time prevents them walking more often. We also know that people can be put off by not knowing what kit to buy, or thinking that it will be too costly – through this initiative we want to help would-be walkers choose the right kit that will last a lifetime. And autumn is the perfect time to get started because there are hundreds of walking events taking place across the country for people to take part in.”
Matt Roberts says: “We have a growing exercise problem in the UK – our research is consistent with this view, with nearly a quarter (24%) of adults in Yorkshire and the Humber walking outside for exercise less than once a month. So we’ve developed Rohan StrideFit to help show people that walking for exercise can be done by and can benefit everyone. StrideFit is not just for walkers, it’s open to anyone, with any level of fitness – so we hope it provides a good incentive to get involved.”