People in Leicester are being encouraged to quit and get fit as part of a drive to replace smoking with exercise.

The ‘Quit and Get Fit’ scheme is a stop smoking and get fit group that runs every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8pm at New Parks Leisure Centre on Saint Oswalds Road.

Participants are able to get advice and support on quitting smoking whilst taking part in physical activity. The scheme aims to challenge the myth that stopping smoking has to mean weight gain.

In less than 12 months, the STOP! team at NHS Leicester City have helped 1,600 people quit the habit. The scheme aims to educate people in the New Parks area about the benefits of quitting smoking, making small lifestyle changes and taking up exercise to improve their health.

Carla Lane, physical activity officer at Leicester City Council, said: “Quit and Get Fit is a great programme which offers the help and support people need when making the decision to stop smoking.

“Encouraging participants to exercise will help in many ways – obviously it will make people more active so they’ll feel better in themselves, but it will also help keep their minds off smoking. We also encourage participants to sign up to the ’3×30 Pledge’, to do 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. The rewards from the Pledge will keep with motivated.”

Louise Ross, tobacco control manager at NHS Leicester City, said: “By joining forces with the council we can encourage people to improve their health by quitting smoking and taking up a new hobby.

“Many people will attempt to quit more than once. If you’re ready to quit we can help and you’re four times more likely to succeed with out help. We understand it can take a few attempts to be successful and we will support people for as long as they need.”

For more information on quitting for good with the support of our STOP! smoking team please call 0116 295 4141. To contact a ‘Quit and Get Fit’ trainer please call 0116 225 2835.