FREE seated exercise sessions across south Warwickshire have been described as “irreplaceable”.
Everyone Active, the operator of Stratford District Council’s five leisure centres, secured funding earlier this year from Sport England to deliver activities to support older adults across the community to become more mobile.
The half-hour sessions take place in groups at community venues and are designed to boost both physical and mental health, as well as prevent falls.
Classes involve gentle chair-based exercises that focus on strengthening different muscles and joints.
Sessions are weekly at each venue and led by Everyone Active instructor, Steve Blake.
Susan Leaman is a regular attendee at the Graham Adams Centre in Southam and praised the class, describing it as an “irreplaceable provision”
She continued: “After a lifetime of disability, multiple joint pain and immobility, this class has enabled me to find and move my muscles again.
“It is the only movement class suitable for myself. In addition to the physical benefits, this class has supported me with my mental health disabilities as a result of head injuries and two small strokes.”
Joe Warren, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “Getting out, getting active and meeting people has life-changing benefits for older people. Our members tell us these sessions help them improve their physical health and stay fit, but more than that, attending the sessions help sustain social connections and improve mental health.
“Stratford district is particularly large and rural and this funding has enabled us to take sessions out into the community and use venues closer to older residents.”
Sessions take place in Alcester, Harbury, Southam, Lighthorne Heath and Stratford.
For more information contact instructor Steve Blake on [email protected]
