Berkhamsted running company's Zoom exercise classes help mental health in more ways than one

Lifting tins of beans and the odd carton of custard has helped a Berkhamsted running company raise over £600 for a mental health charity in Hertfordshire.

Unable to continue with their usual outdoor running courses, Jog On founders Erica Carter and Heather Harris, from Berkhamsted, wanted to put their experience and time to good use.

Erica, whose background in nursing has helped her design the sessions, said: “We were conscious that there were a lot of people for whom running and cycling outside or doing the traditional Zoom exercise classes would be a little off putting - so we decided to launch a Gentle Exercise Class."

Starting in September with one 30-minute class a week, which could be done seated or standing and with ‘home produce’ for weights, interest soon spread around the country and a second was quickly added.

“As well as local people with mobility issues we also have ladies and gentlemen from as far afield as York and our age range is 27 years to 85 years,” Heather explained, adding that it is a misconception that the older generation cannot adapt to the ZOOM technology.

Derek Moffitt, 84, said: “I used you go to a class in my local village hall but as soon as that stopped, I noticed my mobility and balance suffered.

"My daughter showed me how to click on the link sent to my e mail for these Jog On classes and they’ve really made a difference. It’s great to have a chat afterwards too!”

Conscious that many of the participants may live alone, the founders were keen to make it a social as well as a fitness class.

Erica added: “We always take them off mute at the end and its lovely how over the months our regulars have become online friends."

Katies Sherling’s mother is one such regular, she said: “It is wonderful when I ring my Mum up and she apologises but says she can’t talk because of her exercise class.

"It’s great for both her physical and mental health.”

A suggested donation of £3 for Hertfordshire Mind Network, is made for each class and this has now topped the £600 mark.

The charity delivers essential mental health support in Hertfordshire, providing a diverse range of services from seven Wellbeing Centres and other venues across all ten districts of the county.

A spokesperson from MIND said: "It is fantastic what these ladies have done both for the participants and for our charity.

"I can’t stress enough what a huge difference exercise makes to mental health particularly those who are not able to get out and run or cycle.”

For more information about Jog On, click here.