Men’s Football
On a Monday evening in Walthamstow, we deliver a football/fitness project that is open to males (but specifically targeting those aged 30+) of all abilities and ages.
Sessions involve a combination of matchplay, circuit training, weight training, HIIT and technical drills.
During and after the session, the group has informal conversations around numerous topics including mental health, nutrition, injury rehabilitation, recovery techniques, parenting and current affairs.
Female Fitness
We deliver a female-only fitness project, led by qualified female instructors. The project comprises a mixture of HIIT, boxercise and circuit-based workouts and is supplemented by interactive, evidence-based health and nutrition workshops led by City Dietitians and ourselves.
The content of these workshops includes nutrition in the workplace, nutrition during times of stress and menopausal health. The session is open to females aged 13+, but our Saturday morning session is targeted at over 30s.
Walking
On a Friday morning in Walthamstow, we deliver a walking project. The session is open to everyone aged 18+ but is specifically targetted at over 50s.
Usually, the group meets at St James Street in Walthamstow and enjoy a leisurely walk.
Additionally, this session provides participants with the opportunity to discuss topics including mental health, physical wellbeing, diet and current affairs.
Cycling
We deliver cycling sessions throughout the year, tailored to the competency of participants, usually meeting in Walthamstow.
With less experienced cyclists, we cycle on quieter roads and off-road routes, such as the River Lea whereas, with more experienced cyclists, we cycle around the entirety of London, exploring landmarks like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. We also often cycle to the workplaces of our participants, in order to increase their confidence in cycling to work on a regular basis.
Bethan – SP Community Champion
My initial reaction to hearing about the fitness sessions was that this would be a needed motivator to become consistently active again, but I did not consider for one moment that the weekly sessions would serve to boost my mood and improve my frame of my mind/approach towards negotiating the path back to the new normal of living post lockdown.
I quickly grew to look forward to our weekly sessions, welcoming the group chats on our experiences as we ventured back into the world with masks, gloves and hand sanitiser at the ready, the encouragement to make it through the last few reps of particular tough exercise and yes I even looked forward to the exercise challenges.
Salaam Peace, you continue to deliver on a level that is simply inspiring! Your sessions are able to bring together every demographic of our local neighbourhoods and cohesively knit us into a positive microcosm of society.
I have enjoyed meeting people from a wide range of cultures during the Friday morning Salaam Peace walks. Everyone is so friendly and you end up chatting to all the people who have turned up, whilst walking around Walthamstow and Leyton. I have been able to share information about local landmarks, street art etc. whilst also discovering new areas, parks, streets and information myself. It has been particularly helpful during COVID restrictions as this was a safe way of socialising outdoors. Walking is also good for exercising, reaching my 10,000 daily steps target and losing weight by burning off calories, all of which makes me feel good and helps me sleep at night. Thank you, Salaam Peace, for providing such opportunities for our community.
The Salaam Peace football sessions are enjoyable, fun and intense. They are all delivered with professionalism and a sense of humour which makes it fun. Love the sessions even if I am out of my depth… it never feels that way here.
