AGE NO BARRIER TO AEROBICS FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN FAKENHAM
If aerobics classes make you think of leotard-clad young people doing high-impact exercises, think again – a growing group of older people in Fakenham are keeping fit by taking part in regular seated aerobics classes, with participants into their nineties taking part.
A special taster session of the classes, which are held weekly at Victory Housing Trust’s Heather barrow Court in the town, saw a number of newcomers try the low-impact exercise class, designed to keep joints supple and improve mobility.
Led by instructor Karlé Parnell from North Norfolk District Council, around 20 older people took part in the 45 minute class, which saw participants undertake a range of stretching and movement exercises – while remaining seated the whole time.
“We tend to think of aerobics as being for younger, fitter people, but it can be just as beneficial for older people,” said Christine Candlish from Victory Housing Trust. “Not only do these classes help older people stay fit, but there is a huge benefit from the social interaction as well. There is a lot of laughter and friendship on top of the business of keeping fit.”
The classes take place on a weekly basis in the common room of the Heather Barrow Court sheltered housing complex in Fakenham, which is owned and managed by Victory Housing Trust. They are open to any older person, whether they are Victory residents or not.
The classes take place at 11am on Friday morning, and cost £1 a week. For more details, contact Jo Todd at Victory Housing Trust on 01692 502496, or at jo.todd@victoryhousing.co.uk.
Quotes from participants
92-year-old Kathleen Brunton, who lives at Heather Barrow Court, has been attending the classes since they started – and says she feels much fitter for having taken part. “As well as the physical exercise, meeting people and doing it together makes you feel better. It has got easier over the weeks, and I am certainly going to carry on coming. We’d miss it if it didn’t happen now.”
79-year-old Margaret Howes comes to Heather Barrow Court from her home in the town every week to take part. “It’s fun, I really enjoy it. It’s easy to do, and you are meeting people. I find myself doing the exercises when I’m sitting in my armchair at home in front of the television, it has become part of my routine.”
David Callaby, 57, and his wife Lorraine, 59, were trying the seated aerobics class for the first time at the taster session. The couple, who live in Thorn Road in the town, were not sure what to expect of the class. David has arthritis and diabetes and is not very mobile, so was understandably apprehensive at coming to an exercise class.
“It was very good,” said David. I was able to go at my own pace, with no pressure to do things I wasn’t able to. It is really nice to be part of a group, and we will definitely come again.”
72-year-old Christina Sherlock lives at Heather Barrow Court, and has been coming to the classes since they began. “I have COPD, so basically don’t do a lot. The first time I was a bit stiff, but I now feel much fitter for it. I really enjoy it, and would say to people to come. It will benefit you and you’ll enjoy it – we have a good laugh.”