Nearly all participants in Hertsmere Borough Council’s We Move She Moves programme reported having improved levels of life satisfaction after taking part, a wide-ranging report has found.

More than 90 per cent of women involved with the physical activity sessions in the borough said their lives were better after undertaking the programme compared to before they started.

The research, conducted by the University of Hertfordshire, assessed the impact of the course through questionnaires and focus groups and discovered that participants reported a range of physical benefits, including increased fitness, energy, strength, flexibility and pain reduction, as well as assisting recovery from illness and surgery.

Other benefits highlighted included improved stress management, increased confidence and the ability to cope with mental health issues.

For nearly 50 per cent of respondents, the programme had also brought them closer to their community by building social support networks, which enabled them to lead more independent lives.

A significant number of those questioned, 70 per cent, also said they had become ‘somewhat active’ as a result of taking part in the programme, which meant they were completing between 30 and 149 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.

The programme offers a range of activities, including yoga, pilates, dance aerobics, aqua zumba, kickboxing and Learn to Run for women in Hertsmere.

For more information on the programme, visit www.wemoveshemoves.me.uk.