Fit after 50

Local residents over 50 believe exercising is vital to health as they age.

During the past two months Carmarthenshire Communities First has laid on a number of 50+ exercise classes held at Felinfoel Community Resource Centre .

Classes were taught by a qualified instructor and exercises included some seated and some standing, designed to increase strength, flexibility, circulation, balance, and co-ordination.

Merial Davies said:” The class have removed misconceived barriers I had of exercise. “I would worry that it won’t be safe for me or I would make an existing condition worse, aside from not having much interest in working up a sweat. “All these thought made it easier to do nothing but because of these classes I have more energy, feel less stiff and feel better altogether. “My challenge now is to keep myself and new friends motivated during the festive season”

The long term goal is for people to exercise on a regular basis with age appropriate, effective exercise programs that are convenient and easy to follow at home.

Communities First Volunteer Support Worker, Amber Williams, said: “Regardless of your age, exercise and physical activity is the best thing that we can do for ourselves to counteract the effects of aging.”

Carmarthenshire Communities First is funded by the Welsh Government and works with residents, community organisations, business and other key agencies to narrow the education/skills, economic and health gaps between underprivileged and more affluent areas.

To find out more information about forthcoming events or sessions, contact the Communities First team via email communitiesfirst@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call 01554 784847.