Isle residents encouraged to get active and healthy

The council is committed to delivering a wide range of fitness based activities suitable for older adults across North Lincolnshire.

Keeping active is essential for people to stay healthy, energetic and independent when they get older.

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you stop looking after your body. Not staying active can mean the things you’ve enjoyed doing and taken for granted may start to become that little bit harder.

Regular activity can lower the risk of certain health conditions and diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression and dementia. It’s never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The NHS recommends that older people should be aiming to do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.

The council’s leisure centres provide a variety of activities for older people such as swimming and badminton.

As well as the usual leisure centre activities, there are a wide range of specialised classes suitable for older people, including:

Active Circuits – specially designed to keep the older adult active using a variety of suitable exercises. Take part at Epworth Leisure Centre and Riddings Pool.

Aqua Fit – low impact aerobics in the water to music. The resistance of the water puts less impact on the joints. Take part at Ancholme Leisure Centre and Baysgarth Leisure Centre.

Aqua Vibe – a water based dance workout that is great fun and lower impact on the body. Take part at The Pods and Riddings Pool.

Chair based exercise – suitable for older adults with mobility issues. All activity is done in a seated position. Take part at The Pods.

Pilates/Fitness Pilates – improve flexibility and strength whilst working all the muscles around your spine to improve posture. Take part at Ancholme Leisure Centre, Baysgarth Leisure Centre, Epworth Leisure Centre, The Pods and Riddings Pool.

Tai Chi – often call meditation in motion, Tai Chi involves gentle flowing movements to relax the mind. Take part at The Pods and Riddings Pool.

Vibe Gold – low impact aerobics and conditioning to music designed especially with the needs of customers in mind. Take part at The Pods and Riddings Pool.

Yoga – stretch and breathe to strengthen the body in this ancient form of exercise. Take part at Ancholme Leisure Centre, Baysgarth Leisure Centre, Epworth Leisure Centre, The Pods and Riddings Pool.

Councillor Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for Customer Services, Sport and Leisure, said: “We want to get the message out there that it doesn’t matter what your age is, it’s important that you keep active and healthy. Obviously as you get older the type and amount of exercise you do changes, but it all counts.

“We have lots of different activities on offer at our leisure centres that are suitable for older people. If you haven’t done any exercise for years, don’t worry; the staff at our leisure centres will be on-hand to give you advice and support.

“Once you give it a go, I’m positive you will enjoy it. And the best thing about these activities is that you can work out with similar people, make friends and have fun.”

If you have any concerns about exercising, are overweight or have a medical condition there are specialist staff at the leisure centres that are qualified to give you advice on safe exercising. Please check with your GP before starting a programme of exercise.

Why not try the sessions or encourage family members or friends to get involved?

Take a look at the fitness programmes at Leisure Centres and select your preferred location to view the classes. Alternatively you can call the leisure centres to find out more.