Fallodon Court residents take part in Get Set, Cycle challenge

This summer residents of Anchor Hanover’s Fallodon Court retirement development in Bristol will be cycling down memory lane, taking part in a national cycling challenge – Get Set, Cycle.

Residents of Anchor Hanover, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for older people, have smashed their target to cycle 2,102 miles across the summer - the same distance as the Tour de France. Inspired by their success, an ambitious new target has been set to cycle 24,901 miles - the circumference of the Earth. 

Exposing the transformative power of physical activity during the pandemic, research by Anchor Hanover demonstrates the importance of keeping up good habits post-lockdown to maintain and improve physical and mental wellbeing. 

Anchor Hanover’s research found that a third (32%) of the nation are exercising more since the pandemic began, with 67% of older people having either maintained or increased their levels of exercise since March 2020. The benefits of staying active in a challenging time are clear, with 59% of older people saying it helped them to stay physically healthy and improve their mental health, and 44% saying it gave them a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

However, the UK is at a crucial turning point when it comes to maintaining the good habits developed in lockdown. One in five of the nation (21%) are already exercising less since restrictions started lifting.
Get Set, Cycle aims to provide an accessible and inclusive solution to keep up positive fitness habits, whilst uniting people through a shared passion following a year of social restrictions.

To enable all residents and colleagues across Anchor Hanover’s locations to participate, Anchor Hanover has created cycle-themed exercises for those who do not have a bike. The exercises, created by Helen Core, Wellbeing Manager at Anchor Hanover, mimic the body’s motions while cycling and strengthen the same muscles, such as the hamstrings and quads.

The exercises were created as part of Anchor Hanover’s BeActive programme, a wellness and movement programme to support people take care of their overall health and wellbeing while increasing mobility and independence. 

At Anchor Hanover’s Fallodon Court retirement development, a group of residents has been staying active by meeting up for BeActive sessions and trying out the cycling-themed exercises. 

One of these residents, John Lowry, 88, was invited to join the weekly BeActive sessions when he moved into Anchor Hanover’s Fallodon Court. 

He said: “Even though I still do some exercises on my own, I’ve quickly realised how much better and more enjoyable it is to be in a group together, especially when it is led by someone with such enthusiasm and knowledge. 

“I’ve really enjoyed the cycling-themed exercises, long may the sessions continue!” 

A strong advocate of keeping physically fit, Cathy Bracey, Manager of Anchor Hanover’s Fallodon Court retirement development, leads many of the BeActive sessions. 

She says: “Residents love being able to come together for a joint activity and it is great to see them come back every week. 

“After a challenging year, we’re thrilled to be taking part in Get Set, Cycle. Physical activity is very important and we’re committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to get involved.”

Anchor Hanover is encouraging the public to stay active and join the challenge by cycling or trying out the themed exercises. Participants can help Anchor Hanover reach their new target by sharing how many miles they've cycled on social media using the hashtag #GetSetCycle. 

For more information about Anchor Hanover’s Fallodon Court housing scheme call 01179 622615