YP Comment: A running start

ACCORDING to Sport England, the number of women playing sport regularly in this country has reached an all-time high.
Former Olympic sprinter Emily Freeman whos has set up totally running, a programme working with schools to inspire girls who wouldn't normally do sport to get into running.
 Picture : Jonathan GawthorpeFormer Olympic sprinter Emily Freeman whos has set up totally running, a programme working with schools to inspire girls who wouldn't normally do sport to get into running.
 Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe
Former Olympic sprinter Emily Freeman whos has set up totally running, a programme working with schools to inspire girls who wouldn't normally do sport to get into running. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

Even so, it’s estimated there are still around one-and-a-half million more men than women doing regular exercise.

It’s something that the UK’s former number one sprinter, Emily Freeman, and Yorkshire lawyer Natalie Jackson hope to challenge. The pair have set up a fitness programme which they hope will encourage more women and girls to take up running. They believe that what’s good for the body is good for the mind and combine fitness training with self- development workshops.

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Not everyone is capable of running, but health experts say that even going for regular walks can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers, and can help ease symptoms of depression – a reminder that being outdoors is not only good for our physical health but our mental health, too.

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