Extern is offering fitness fans and families a chance to enjoy a weekend workout with a difference this September, as it hosts HIIT IT WITH EXTERN in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens on Sunday, 1^st September.

Former Miss Northern Ireland and personal trainer Anna Henry, of Workout With Anna, joined Extern in Botanic Gardens to launch the event, which has been billed as Belfast’s biggest ever HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training workout. The day will raise vital funds for Extern’s life-changing services.

HIIT is a type of workout which has become increasingly popular and involves short bursts of intense exercise combined with recovery periods.

Taking place in the heart of Botanic Gardens, popular personal trainer Kirk Long from Burn More 24 in Belfast will be running two HIIT sessions on the day at 12.40pm and at 1.20pm. Talks and workshops on health and wellbeing are also on offer, and the sessions are suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

Health and wellbeing stalls, including those from Extern’s locally-based projects, and bouncy castles and face-painting for children, will also be on offer on the day.

The event runs from 12pm until 2.30pm. Tickets are priced at £10 for families (two adults/two children), £5 for single parent families (one adult and up to two children) and £5 for single tickets, with all proceeds going to Extern. Tickets are available on the day or in advance at

www.eventbrite.ie/e/hiit-it-with-extern-tickets-68597311405 

Speaking ahead of the event, former Miss Northern Ireland, Anna Henry, said: “I am delighted to lend my support to this fun workout. It’s not every day people get to come together in the beautiful surroundings of Botanic Gardens and workout together to raise funds for a vital cause. Taking part in physical activity is so important with regards to maintaining good mental health and Extern do such good work in supporting people who often have nowhere else to turn to, both young and old alike. I would encourage everyone to grab their mats and don their trainers for this fantastic event.”

Extern CEO, Charlie Mack added: “This isn’t just a great way to boost your health and wellbeing, it’s also an opportunity to raise funds for the fantastic work we do in our projects across Northern Ireland and beyond. By taking a few minutes out of your Sunday afternoon you can impact on the lives of many adults and young people who are facing overwhelming challenges in their lives. I can’t wait to see the HIIT-ers in action, so please do take some time out to join in with the fun and help our work.”

The HIIT workout has been organised by the Extern Trekkers, three of Extern’s staff members who will be trekking the Grand Canyon in the USA next month to raise funds for the organisation’s work.