The much-loved fitness trainer encourages us to set positive intentions to be more physically active this year so that we feel stronger, more positive, confident and better equipped to face life’s challenges. Mr Motivator invites the nation to join him for Get Moving Week at the Royal Voluntary Service Virtual Village Hall on 17 January at 11am where he’ll be hosting a fun, free, live workout for all.

In a 2021 survey”* of 1,500 over 55s by Royal Voluntary Service and People’s Postcode Lottery, one in four said they were looking forward to being more active, with one in ten unable to exercise or be active during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly one in five (18%) said the pandemic had affected their mental health.

“It can be easy to persuade ourselves that we don’t have the time, space or energy for exercise, particularly if we’re new to exercise or returning after a break, but being physically active is great for our bodies and even better for our brains. We all need a little motivation to move more and I have plenty of that to give! I hope as many people as possible will join me for Get Moving Week at the Virtual Village Hall on 17 January to find the inspiration they need to make the best investment possible - in themselves.”   

Mr Motivator

Following Mr Motivator’s launch workout, Get Moving Week at the Virtual Village Hall (17-23 January) features a wide range of gentle exercise and dance classes like Pilates, Yoga, Beginners’ Ballet and Positive Posture to try at home, plus coaching and advice sessions on goal setting and motivation.

The Virtual Village Hall is an online activity hub and community, designed by Royal Voluntary Service and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it helps people stay physically and mentally active, connected and having fun. More than 600 sessions are available to view on-demand, with new content added regularly. Sessions are live-streamed daily on Facebook, search @VirtualVillageHall. Followers take part in real time or view on-demand on Facebook, the Royal Voluntary Service website or YouTube.

All classes and sessions take place on the Virtual Village Hall Facebook page and are completely free. A Facebook account is not required to join in. 

“We all know that we could - and should - be more active to support our health and wellbeing, but unfortunately life sometimes gets in the way of our best intentions. Here to shake us up with his trademark positive energy is the one and only Mr Motivator with a Get Moving Week launch workout at the Virtual Village Hall for everyone to join in with, followed by a week of free exercise and dance classes to try. Led by expert tutors, there’s something for everyone, including seated and adapted classes, and most sessions are designed for complete beginners. Why not come along to the Virtual Village Hall and meet our expert instructors, enjoy some friendly chat with other Virtual Villagers, and give a wide range of different activities a go. It’s good to move!”

Sam Ward, Director of Services and Deputy Chief Executive at Royal Voluntary Service

“Thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Royal Voluntary Service Virtual Village Hall offers a vast range of free activities to try.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Lottery

*Poll research was conducted with 1,502 adults aged 55+ across Great Britain. The fieldwork took place between 30/6/21 – 5/7/21. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles. 

For further information

Find out more about local volunteering opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service

Find out more about becoming an NHS Volunteer Responder, visit nhsresponders.org.uk

Make a donation to support the charity’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

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