Active-Eat offers group and 1-on-1 sessions to help people manage their health conditions through a mix of mindfulness, gentle movement, and relaxation. Founder Jenny Oakenfull leads pain management classes in Bradford, Halifax, and online, specifically designed for those living with arthritis, chronic pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Each class starts with mindfulness, includes exercises adaptable for all abilities, and ends with relaxation and group discussions on topics like nutrition for chronic pain. Jenny tailors each session based on individual needs, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Shifting the Focus
Active-Eat believes that no one is "broken" or needs "fixing"; rather, people develop movement patterns that may increase pain or discomfort. Their sessions focus on what participants can do, rather than limitations. Education is central, helping people understand their bodies and factors that might contribute to pain. Recognising that stress affects all health conditions, sessions incorporate mindset, relaxation, and acceptance practices.
Active-Eat encourages small steps to integrate movement into daily routines, showing practical ways to add just five minutes of movement a day, such as simple stretches while waiting for the kettle to boil or mindful bending when putting on shoes.
Their classes welcome participants of all ages currently ranging from 20 to 97—with various health conditions, including arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, hip and knee replacements, long COVID, high blood pressure, and heart issues.
Joan's Story
Joan attends Active-Eat sessions with her sister, both of whom have health conditions. Attending together gave them the confidence to give the sessions a try, and Joan has been a regular participant since the classes began in Ovenden. She received tailored exercises to help with her shoulder, along with tips on how to integrate these movements into her daily routine. Now, Joan includes about five minutes of gentle exercises each day, which she feels has been improving her mobility.
I have found the ‘feel better’ exercise classes I am attending at Ovenden have really helped with my mobility and flexibility. I think the classes will help in preventing my osteopenia from developing into arthritis.
I have particularly found the strengthening exercises for shoulders, to be beneficial in improving movement in my (R) shoulder, my movement is limited due to a fracture sustained when I had a fall.
I have also learnt so much about how our body works and how important it is to beware of our breathing habits. The relaxation and mindfulness section at the end of the class I find very therapeutic, it's helped reduce my anxiety.
The classes that Jenny provides in a calming, gentle and supportive environment really does make me ‘feel better’. They combine so much in each session from gentle exercise, breathing techniques, information about the mechanics of our bodies, relaxation and mindfulness. Jenny is very knowledgeable and inspiring.
Joan - Active-Eat attendee
Extending the reach through collaboration
As the popularity of the classes grows, Active-Eat has also looked to branch out and is now in contact with Overgate Hospice regarding their gentle walking group. Two of the class attendees are now planning to join the monthly walks to work on increasing their fitness and to get outside more, reinforcing the can-do mindset.
If you would like to find out more about Active-Eat and their work visit their website or e-mail jenny@active-eat.co.uk.