Salisbury Library still lending out activity tracker watches

Wiltshire Council's reminding us that they're available to borrow

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 8th Feb 2024

Activity tracker watches and blood pressure monitors are available to borrow from Salisbury's library.

Wiltshire Council hopes it might help people to get active and stay healthy.

They can be also taken out by people aged over 16 from mobile libraries dotted across the county.

Activity tracker watches enable people to track things like steps taken, heart rate, and sleep quality.

Blood pressure monitors can be used to take measurements at home and see how any changes in lifestyle are having an impact.

Wiltshire Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling has used one of the trackers since the scheme launched and says it prompted him to get more active

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, said:

“Activity tracker watches are a great way to monitor your progress and get inspired about exercise. If you haven’t tried one before, pop down to your local library and borrow one for free.

“We launched this scheme in November 2023 and I borrowed an activity tracker watch at the time. I’ve found it very beneficial to be able to keep track of my progress and it has also been great motivation to get out and exercise. Frequent walks with my golden retriever, Chino, have become even more frequent and adventurous, which Chino seems to be enjoying just as much as me.

“Regular physical activity can benefit our health and wellbeing and prevent against illness. We hope these activity trackers will help people to keep fit and enjoy life to the fullest.

“These watches are there for everyone – from beginners to those who regularly exercise so I’d recommend anyone interested borrows one to try it out, as there’s nothing to lose.

“I would also encourage anyone looking to reduce their blood pressure to borrow a free blood pressure monitor so they can see in real time the difference any changes in their lifestyle are making.

“High blood pressure can lead to numerous conditions, and I hope these monitors will help people to take positive steps to improve their health.”

The devices can be loaned for up to six weeks, but people must be a member of Wiltshire Libraries.

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