Laois farmers urged to sign up for prime time health programme
Laois agencies funding bespoke fitness farmers course with Mountrath the hub
Farmers are being encouraged to sign up for a new exercise and health education programme designed to improve fitness, strength, balance, mobility, health and wellbeing.
The programme, which is fully funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and supported by Laois County Council, Laois Sports Partnership and Laois Local Community Safety Partnership, is open to both male and female farmers.
Run by Laois company EduFIT, it welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels, including complete beginners and those living with clinical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, osteopenia, osteoporosis and more.
As part of the programme, farmers are encouraged to complete two exercise classes or videos and watch one health masterclass per week.
Recognising the unpredictable schedules and physical demands of seasonal farm work, farmers can take part entirely online, in person in Mountrath Martial Arts & Fitness Academy, or through a flexible combination of both.
Dr Diane Cooper, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Health Researcher, and CEO of the Laois company EduFIT, which is running the course.
“The ‘Prime Time of Life’ programme is scientifically proven to improve fitness, strength, balance, flexibility, and overall quality of life. We have delivered this programme multiple times across Ireland since 2020 with consistently positive outcomes, backed by published research. We have tailored this new version specifically for farmers. MORE BELOW PHOTO.
"Research in Ireland consistently highlights that a high number of farmers experience chronic aches, pains, and musculoskeletal issues, and we know that multimodal exercise is essential for treating and managing these conditions. Knowledge is power, which is why we give participants direct access to health education masterclasses delivered by me and the EduFIT team of experts. We will cover important topics in a practical, easy-to-understand manner, including muscle and joint health, nutrition, cardiovascular and metabolic health, giving farmers the exact tools they need to protect their health for the long haul,” said Dr Cooper.
Ruth Kavanagh, also on the EduFIT team, is a registered associate nutritionist and active health researcher.
She published research in 2024 which sought to analyse the impact of a physical activity and lifestyle education intervention programme for farmers.
Her research concluded that interventions that are farmer-specific, community-based, and feasible within the context of available resources may be effective in improving farmer health. Her study found that working in partnership with organisations that support farmers has the potential to improve farmer health.
The programme will begin on Monday, August 10. Places are limited, so farmers are encouraged to register early.
For information and to register for the ‘Prime Time of Life for Farmers’ programme, visit https://edufit.ie/prime-time-of-life-for-farmers/ or email [email protected].