Exercise and Fitness

Exercise Classes

Are you aged 60+?

Could you do with taking more exercise?

What does the Exercise Class do?

The classes are gentle exercise to music. Most of the standing exercises can be adapted for people who cannot stand to exercise, and there are some seated exercises for everyone at each class.

Why Exercise?

Recent research shows that whatever your age, exercise will help you to stay healthy and active by:

Improving and maintaining muscle strength, stamina, suppleness, mobility and posture.
Combating osteoporosis.
Improving balance and co-ordination to help you avoid falls.
Improving cardio-vascular function (breathing and circulation).
Improving appetite, relaxation, sleep and mood.

Who runs the classes?

The classes are run by project teachers who are EXTEND qualified and who specialise in exercise to music for older people and those with disabilities. This means that your teacher will be well aware of the implications of any limiting factors you suffer from.

Some teachers have further recognised qualifications in fitness training, chair exercise and postural stability.

All project teachers place an emphasis on having fun and class members are encouraged to work within their own limitations while building on their abilities week by week.

What do I need to do?

If you wish you can go along to any of the community classes without making previous contact with a teacher. If, however, you have any questions you need answering first, please contact the person mentioned for each class.

The class teacher might ask you to complete an application form for monitoring and contact reasons and a health check form so that she is aware of your medical status and any medications you use.

What should I wear for Exercise Classes?

You don't need any special clothing. Wear loose clothes you are comfortable in and shoes that are non-slip and support your feet. Or you can do the exercises in bare feet if you prefer.

Where are the classes held?

A closed group class is running at the Friendship Club at the Bessborough Road Synagogue on Mondays.

The following community classes are open to all Harrow residents aged 60+ and those of any age with a disability:

Venue	Day and Time	Cost	Contact
Harrow Healthy Living Centre, adjacent to the new Library in Wealdstone	Mondays 2.00 - 3.00pm	£2.50 per class	Gwen Batham 020 8428 3855
Broadfields Sports Hall, Broadfields, off Headstone Lane	Tuesdays 09:45 - 10:45 am	£2.50 per session	Gwen Batham 020 8428 3855
Victoria Hall, Sheepcote Road, Harrow	Thursdays 10.00 - 11.00am	£3.50 per session	Gwen Batham 020 8428 3855
Victoria Hall, Sheepcote Road, Harrow	Thursdays 11.15 - 12.15pm	£3.50 per session	Gwen Batham 020 8428 3855
St Martin's Hall, St Albans Church, Norwood Drive, North Harrow	Fridays 10.30 - 11.30am	£3.00 per session	Gwen Batham 020 8428 3855
South Ruislip Community Centre, Deane Park, Long Drive, HA4 0HS	Thursdays 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. and 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.	£2.50 per session	Gwen Batham 020 8428 3855
Methodist Church Hall, Love Lane, Pinner	Tuesdays 2.00 - 3.00pm	£2.50 per session	Gwen Batham 020 8428 3855

^ Back to the top of the page

So why not come along, have some fun, and do your health some good at the same time.

Looking to take more exercise?

Harrow Partnership with Older People (POP) has produced leaflets on opportunities for Over 50�s to take up DANCING or join WALKING groups in and around Harrow. Contact the office for a copy of either leaflet.

Exercise to Music

Looking for an exercise class but the usual active class is not suitable? Then why not try the

EXTEND EXERCISE TO MUSIC CLASS FOR THE OVER-60s?

Extend teachers are specially trained to understand and over-come any difficulties and restrictions older people may have. Extend classes can help:-

increase mobility and independence
stimulate mental and physical health
improve strength, stamina, posture and co-ordination
overcome loneliness and isolation

The classes are set to music from the last 5 decades, and are held every Monday morning from 10.30-11.30am in BERNAYS HALL, STANMORE (next to Sainsbury's).

For more information please contact Rachel Karbaron on 07931 543502