Learn about your own fitness at the Leiden Health Festival
During the Leiden Health Festival, neuropsychologist Renske Krijt and exercise scientist Annemarie ten Kate are inviting visitors to get moving. Both are researchers at FIT-HEART, a national research consortium funded by the Dutch Heart Foundation, and are investigating how heart patients can remain active in a safe and lasting way. Their stand focuses on the social context of exercise.
What can visitors do at your stand?
Renske: ‘We want people to experience the effect of exercising together and of being cheered on. You can take part in two types of fitness tests at our stand: the grip strength test and the three-minute step test. Through these tests, we aim to show that the social context – such as being cheered on or exercising together – can have a positive effect on your motivation and performance. Participants can experience this for themselves! We’ll also be discussing what makes exercise fun. People can share their ideas on this on a large poster.’
What is your mission?
Annemarie: ‘We want to show that being active is more than just exercising. You really don’t have to run a marathon – even small actions, such as going for a short walk around the block or getting up from your chair more often, have a positive effect. We hope that people will go home with a better understanding of their own physical fitness and the inspiration to be more active at home, either on their own or with others.’
What makes the Leiden Health Festival so interesting?
Renske: ‘This festival is truly unique: in a short space of time, you learn a lot about various topics and gain lots of new insights. There are people of all ages here, and it’s both educational and fun.’ Annemarie: ‘There are also lots of colleagues here with interesting stands and presentations. We hope to have some time ourselves to have a look around!’
Join us at the Leiden Health Festival!
On Saturday 27 June, Leiden Town Hall and Stadhuisplein will be transformed into a vibrant festival packed with activities, health checks, workshops and surprising encounters for young and old alike.
All you need to know about the Leiden Health Festival