We of Lingua Libera Tutti like to promote the innovative activities found in the region and so we met with Angela Dal Corno, a psychomotor therapist in Perugia who works in health, gymnastics and well-being. It is Angela’s special attention to the social dimension of the body in relation to space and to the community that interests us.
She is actually an expert in the physical disciplines and teaches urban gymnastics and Nordic Walking, but she is involved in other things as well, thanks to a degree in sociology from the Università di Urbino, a degree that has been very useful to her in understanding themes such as mental disorders and challenges, disabilities, handicaps exacerbated at times by forms of violence.
Native of the Veneto, she has lived in Perugia for many years and recently presented a project to the city of Perugia with Spazio A.GI.LE, the association to which she belongs. That project has already begun and it is not difficult to find her moving about the city leading a line of people involved in a session of urban gymnastics.
We put these questions to her, to which she responded willingly.
- How did the Spazio A.GI.LE association begin?
The association was founded in 2020 in the very midst of the lockdown caused by Covid-19. The intention was to offer a service in medical counselling as well as counselling in socializing and inclusive motor activity to citizens of all ages residing in the historic centre of Perugia and its environs.
- What is involved in the idea of itinerant gymnastics and what disciplines does it include?
Urban and itinerant gymnastics grew out of the desire to combine the benefits of motor activity with those of walking, including among its benefits the kind of spontaneous socializing that happens when people move from one area to another together. Movement, whether physical, intellectual or emotional/creative is always an excellent antidote for solitude.
- For whom is this initiative intended?
Perugia is an architecturally beautiful city, but from the point of view of negotiating it on foot, it is not easy. From a sports perspective, its distinctive structure involving climbing uphill or down at various levels of difficulty makes it an open-air gym and has allowed us to set up a variety of routes to suit the training level and age of individuals. So really, it works for everyone.
4. Do you work with other associations or organizations?
We are trying to involve the district associations that were enthusiastic and interested in the initiative; also, we have the support of the Coordinamento dei centri Socio Culturali del Comune di Perugia. With time, we hope that their enthusiasm will turn into active participation.
- How are people responding to this taking over of outdoor city spaces?
It’s a new initiative so there is a great deal of curiosity. What appeals to the participants most of all is the discovery of streets, piazzas and gardens previously unknown to them. Another point that emerges from their reflections is that, at the end of the lesson, they have the impression that they have had a ‘full’ workout and they feel good.
- Are you thinking of organizing courses next winter and, if so, where?
We want to rent indoor spaces and/or have them offered to us by the various district associations of the historic centre to provide our associates with meeting spaces and to organize an assortment of courses of Attività Motoria, group and/or individual, with health counselling for all ages. The idea is to make movement easier for residents of the old town, especially the not-so-young. At the same time, we want to continue to offer Urban Gymnastics (for example, on Sunday mornings) with the idea that even during winter people feel the need to get out for a walk and/or to meet others.
Thank you, Angela, and we of LLT wish you continued success with the initiative!