Safe exercise sessions for over 60s in Ferrybridge

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with Pontefract Live at Home Scheme to offer gentle and fun exercise sessions to local people aged over 60.

‘Extend’ exercise classes aim to improve mobility and wellbeing in the over 60s through gentle, safe exercise and friendly socialising. The classes will be held at Ferrybridge Community Centre at 10:30am every Tuesday and cost just £3 for an hour’s session

Attendees will be guided through the class by a qualified teacher, who will demonstrate how to do exercises such as ‘hand jive’, chair marching, arm swings and much more.

Jacci Sharp, health and wellbeing development worker at the Trust, said: “‘Extend’ tutors are trained to make exercise fun and safe for everyone, including anyone with an age related condition or a disability. With time for chat and banter, these sessions are a great way to extend your social life too.”

‘Extend’ holds many classes throughout the UK in a number of settings such as NHS hospitals, nursing homes, village halls, sports clubs and community centres.

Susan Oldfield, ‘Extend’ teacher, said: “We always start with seated exercise as a warm up – you’ll be surprised at how much active exercise can be performed whilst sitting in a chair! It’s a good, gentle and precise work out for all joints and muscles that can also help to maintain balance and coordination and improve circulation.”

If you are interested in attending a class, please contact Jacci Sharp on 01977 705473 or email jacqueline.sharp@swyt.nhs.uk. You can also contact Susan Oldfield on 01977 695006 or email ponteliveathome@btconnect.com.