Young at heart get active with chair-based exercise
Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well programme, working in partnership with Steady Steps, an NHS community-based health referral programme, has launched a new chair-based exercise class in a new locality at the Queensferry Sports & Community Hub.
Running every Monday, from 11.45 am – 1.00 pm, the class launched on Monday, 3rd February with eight people attending and more participants expected over the coming weeks.
The Ageing Well Project, run by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with NHS Lothian, delivers a range of city-wide activities which support people to become, and remain, active in later life.
The emphasis is on meeting new people and making physical activity accessible and enjoyable. Each session is followed by refreshments and time for that all-important chat and a cuppa.
Steady Steps is run in partnership with NHS Lothian and delivers group exercise sessions to people who have had or are at risk of having a fall with the aim of preventing future falls and injury.
There is scientific evidence that the exercise used in the sessions help to increase endurance, strength, flexibility and balance. The classes are delivered in a safe environment and can be adapted so no exercise is too easy or difficult for any individual.
Michael McLaughlin, Specialist Health Instructor at Edinburgh Leisure said: “These classes will act as a pathway for those attending Steady Steps, so they have a class to continue on to. It will mean that they don’t undo all the hard work they have put in when they have been attending the 16-week Steady Steps programme for 1.5 hours each week.
“We’re also hoping to welcome any other older adults in the community looking to be active. No specialist equipment or workout gear is required. Just wear lose, comfortable clothes and trainers or soft-soled shoes. It’s such a great opportunity to make new friends too and of course, socialise over tea and biscuits afterwards.”
A donation of £2 is welcomed for the class.
Interested? Just turn up at the Queensferry Sports & Community Hub, 30 Ashburnham Road, Queensferry, South Queensferry EH30 9JN
