GYM IS OUT, SALSA AND BELLY DANCING IS IN

IT SEEMS hours spent alone sweating in the gym could soon be a thing of the past for women in the North West as 76% would find it easier to get in shape if they were trying new activities like salsa dancing, rock climbing and synchronised swimming. Overall, new research shows that the secret to making improved fitness effortless is to have as much fun as possible and get together with your friends.

The research was commissioned by leading skincare brand NIVEA, to mark its 4th year as Associate Sponsors of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. The findings have prompted the company to produce a free ‘Alternative Training Guide’ which suggests a number of ways women can get in shape for this year’s Race for Life events and raise valuable funds for research into treating, curing and preventing cancer.

The research findings also suggest that women in the North West enjoy a good ‘sisterly’ gossip whilst exercising, with a UK-high of 93% preferring to get in shape with a group of friends rather than exercising alone. Furthermore, the secrets of fitness motivation are also revealed. Some 92% of women in the North West believe reducing the boredom factor of exercise is vital, with many electing to try a range of daring activities including pole dancing (19%), ice skating (41%), rock climbing (20%) and salsa dancing, which came out as favourite at 47%.

The survey shows that the secret to getting ready for Race for Life is to get together with friends and make it fun. So, the company’s free Alternative Training Guide is based on 3 key principles:-

* Try fun new activities with your mates like pole dancing, belly dancing and salsa.

* Offer others a helping hand. For instance mow your elderly neighbours’ lawns. You’ll feel good, get fitter and probably make friends along the way. 

* Get the most out of your daily routine. Forget the lift and use the stairs, or walk to work rather than using the car.

Full details of the training tips and lots of fun ideas to get in shape for Race for Life, can be found at www.nivea.co.uk/raceforlife.

Commenting on the research, leading lifestyle psychologist Donna Dawson said:- “Most peoples’ motivation will increase when they are having fun with their friends, learning additional skills and experiencing something new for the first time. The findings of the NIVEA research demonstrate this quite clearly and are also supported by research recently carried out by Harvard psychologists which showed that solo jogging increases stress compared to training in a group.  The NIVEA research proves that women can really help one another to get in shape for the Race for Life events and perhaps achieve something that they never thought they could do on their own!”

Jo Edwards, of NIVEA, adds:- “Race for Life is about sharing a moment with your friends for the benefit of others and we believe that our Alternative Training Guide fits this philosophy perfectly.  Our research reveals the two most important elements of getting in shape are having fun and sharing the experience with friends or a group. Therefore we hope that everyone involved in this year’s Race for Life events will try something new when training and have lots of fun doing so – especially the pole dancing!”

NIVEA is encouraging women to take the simple step of registering for one of this year’s Race for Life events, a series of 230 5km (3.1 miles) runs or walks around the country to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

To find your nearest Cancer Research UK Race for Life event, or to register, visit raceforlife.org or call 08705 134 314.

NEW FILMMAKERS WANTED FOR £80,000 FILM SCHEME

AN ANNUAL scheme aimed at helping new film writers, directors and producers get ahead in the film industry is searching for new talent from the Northwest.
North West Vision (the film and TV development agency for England’s Northwest) is looking for the  region’s most creative minds to produce ten original short films as part of its Digital Shorts scheme for 2006.

The scheme sets the challenge to filmmakers to pack their ideas into short films of up to 10 minutes long. £80,000 of funding will be shared by the 10 best applicants, who will also receive ongoing mentoring and a week of intensive training at the prestigious National Film and Television school.

Alice Morrison Chief Executive at North West Vision said:- “The Digital Shorts scheme offers the whole package and is a way of nurturing home-grown talent through the filmmaking process. It gives filmmakers the opportunity to do what they do best and actually make films. “

Now in its 5th year of commissioning innovative, entertaining shorts, North West Vision is looking for filmmakers with a new approach to genre and storytelling. Whether it's documentary, drama or animation, applicants should display inventive, creative filmmaking at its very best. This year the agency is particularly looking for applications from women and those from a diverse background.

An eclectic and original group of films were produced as part of the 2005 scheme, ranging from a gay western, The Angel and the Whore, to the epic exploration of the myth of Ragnorak.

All films are premiered regionally and then produced on DVD. Filmmakers receive further training about distribution and exhibition and bursaries are also offered to promote the films at film festivals including the Cannes Film Festival, where they network with top industry professionals.

Aubrey Reynolds directed Bulletproof as part of last year’s Digital Shorts scheme:- “Schemes like this are really the only way someone with my relative inexperience can enter into the industry as a Writer/Director.”

This year’s scheme is launching at a time when the Northwest film industry has never looked better for new filmmakers, with recent filming figures showing that the region is in the midst of a film boom. Producers and directors of several large budget feature films have recently chosen to set their films in the region, including Miss Potter (Renee Zelwegger, Ewan Mcgreggor) and Sparkle (Bob Hoskins, Stockard Channing).

Advances in digital and mobile phone technology also mean that digital film is becoming increasingly accessible to mainstream audiences. The introduction of a Digital Screen Network in the Northwest means that digital films can be screened at local cinemas.

The deadline for entries for Digital Shorts 2006 is Midday on Monday, 6 June 2006. See their website for details on how to apply.