Chamber staff find inner 'zen' thanks to mats donation

Chamber staff members have found some inner zen, thanks to a donation of more than 40 yoga mats.

The mats were donated by community interest company 5UP, who promote fitness and healthy lifestyle through sport.

The firm had been awarded funds by The National Lottery to encourage over-40s to take part in 5UP 's free fitness sessions in Handsworth. But due to Covid restrictions, the fitness programme had been suspended.

To help people stay fit The National Lottery provided 5UP with free yoga mats and carry cases to give away to businesses, to help their staff over 40 stay fit while at home.

As well as the Chamber, 5UP have donated yoga mats to West Midlands Police, Aspire CIC, Gateway Family Services and AgeUK.

5UP has given away more than 200 yoga mats so far.

The firm also supplied those who attend their gym with yoga mats and track suits.

As well as being recipient of the mats, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce helped 5UP spread the word on the freebies.

Major Heran, founder of 5UP, said: “ “We had asked our Account Manager Paula Charles to spread the word to others that we at 5UP were giving away free yoga mats and carry cases and we wanted to give yoga mats to the Chamber staff whilst they were at home self-isolating with no access to gyms ”

“We are hoping that those that had been issued the free yoga mats will return to the gym once self-isolation has been lifted in order to actively participate in physical fitness and join in our yoga sessions that will be held at the 5UP gym. “

5UP CIC was set up a year ago by Nathan Bendon, former British and European Thai boxing champion, and Major Heran.

Pictured: Inner peace - Kate Warnaby (left), executive assistant at the Chamber, and Mandy Haque, international director at the Chamber, testing out one of the mats