Over-50s get 'Fit as a Fiddle' with Age Concern and North Norfolk District Council's Mobile Gym

Southrepps and Holt residents are now getting fit through a range of new activities, including gym sessions, designed to promote active lifestyles among over-50s.

Fit as a Fiddle is a major new Age Concern programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund to help people all over England to live more healthy, active and fulfilling lives.

Starting on Tuesday, 26 August, The North Norfolk Fit as Fiddle program, run by Age Concern and North Norfolk District Council, will offer indoors gym sessions at Charles Road day centre in Holt on Tuesdays from 1pm to 7pm, and Southrepps Village Hall on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 7pm (but starting at 3pm every third Wednesday).

There will be two fully-qualified staff to help customers build an exercise programs to suit their needs. There is also a 'buddy' system for those who are not confident about exercising and who would like to bring a friend. A 'buddy' can help with motivation and encourage people to keep exercising on a regular basis.

The sessions are not limited to over-50s - people of all levels of ability and all age groups, from 16 upwards, are welcome. First-time users must fill out a medical questionnaire before starting a fitness programme.

Wyn Nurse, Active England Co-ordinator for NNDC, said: "Older people find it particularly hard to access suitable activities in their communities, and few take sufficient exercise to meet the international guidelines of half an hour's exercise of moderate intensity on at least five days a week."

As well as the two new hall-based sessions, fitness activities are available using the mobile gym at:

• Monday - Happisburgh C/E School, 10am to 2.45pm
• Thursday - Roughton Village Hall, 10am to 1pm
• Friday - Sheringham High School, 11am to 2.45pm

Sessions cost just £2.50 per person (£2 for concessions). For more information about the classes or on becoming a Fit as a Fiddle volunteer call Wyn Nurse on 01263 516305 or 07795 265671, or email wyn.nurse@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Notes to editor

• Thanks to a £15 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund, Age Concern has developed the Fit as a Fiddle programme with a coalition of national partners to meet the demands of demographic changes and increased life expectancy.
• Evidence shows that fitter older adults have better cognitive function with even gentle exercise helping to reduce stress, ease depression and anxiety, enhance mental well-being (UK Mental Health Inquiry, Mental Health Foundation and Age Concern England 2006).
• Fit as a Fiddle is being delivered by a national coalition of partners, including Age Concern, the British Heart Foundation, National Centre for Physical Activity and Health, the Blood Pressure Association, the Keep Fit Association, the Men's Health Forum and the National Association of Providers of Activities for Older People.

ENDS