Live Well and Age Well with Chair Exercise

COLERAINE Borough Council will launch an ‘Exercise Programme for over 50s’ beginning on this Thursday, November 8th.

This chair-based exercise class is a new strategy to promote health and wellbeing and it will take place in the Jim Watt Sports Centre, Garvagh every Thursday at 1.30pm.

Richard Dennison, Rural Facilities Assistant Manager at Coleraine Borough Council, said: “Chair exercise is an innovative new way in which anyone can get the exercise they need to help burn off calories, increase muscular endurance and strength, and improve coordination, balance and flexibility. It is also beneficial for improving cardiovascular health. The exercises are done at a pace to suit everyone in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.”

Nicola Brown from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust said: “Chair-based exercises provide an excellent opportunity for older people to engage in a physical activity programme on a regular basis which is tailored to their needs.  It is recommended that older people are physically active at a moderate level for at least 150 minutes each week and should include some exercises to increase muscle strength and improve balance and coordination. 

“It is never too late to take up a physical activity programme and reap the benefits of an active lifestyle.  These include increased mobility, reduced risk of falls, better sleep, increased social opportunities and prevention and management of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, CHD, cancer and stroke.”

Although primarily aimed at the over 50 age group, men and women of all ages and abilities can attend a session at the Jim Watt Sports Centre on Thursday 8th November 2012 from 1.30pm - 2.30pm. The cost of each session is £2.00. If you have any specific medical needs, please speak to your practice nurse or GP about your thoughts on attending.

If participants wish they can also avail of a session in the Gym at Jim Watt Sports Centre Garvagh after the class, at no extra cost, or just relax and socialise over a ‘cuppa’ in the pleasant surroundings of the Centre.

For more information please contact Richard Dennison, Rural Facilities Assistant Manager, Coleraine Borough Council at Jim Watts Sports Centre, Garvagh on 028 29 55 8686.