New Year’s Resolutions - so how many have you broken so far? It’s all too easy to have good intentions on January 1st, and then begin to slide back into bad habits within weeks.

We’ve all been there. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t persevere. Especially if your New Year’s Resolution is about getting fitter and healthier. The weather outside may still be a little bit frightful, but we all know that fresh air and exercise not only improves our physical health but also helps our mental wellbeing.

NHS advice highlights that even a brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits. Small changes do make a difference if you keep at it; so, get out there.

One of the things I’ve found that helps is doing new things with a friend. Its harder to ignore that lunchtime walk or evening run if you’ve already agreed to do it with a colleague. And new clubs and groups are always less daunting if you join with a mate by your side.

The people at Birchwood Leisure Centre know this and are offering new and existing gym members the chance to bring along a buddy to their gym sessions in January or February, at no extra cost. The Leisure Centre also has free adult and youth classes funded by Hertfordshire County Council and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council – more info on those can be found at birchwoodleisure.co.uk.

Explore Hatfield

Residents and visitors have access to a number of outdoor adult gym equipment across Hatfield, including at Roe Hill, Acacia Street and Ellenbrook Playing Fields. Why not find your nearest one and give the equipment a go?