Classes aim to give South Tyneside's over 50s a health boost

Over 50's fitness class for those who are suffering from lomg term ilness at St. Gregory's Church Hall, Borough Road, South Shields. Instructor Zoe Glendenning of Staying Active

Zoe Glendenning has launched ‘Staying Active’ in a bid to keep the borough’s older generation moving.

The former Age Concern health worker set up on her own after funding for her position with the charity ran out.

She now hosts sessions at various community centres around South Tyneside offering a range of classes from light circuits, keep active, keep well and healthy lives circuits.

The classes are designed for those aged over 50 who have long term health concerns including those with COPD, recovering from cardio issues and other mobility problems.

Exercises can also be done seated.

Zoe said: “I worked as a health and wellbeing co-ordinator and for Age Concern, but when funding ran out, I decided to set up on my own.

Over 50's fitness class for those who are suffering from lomg term ilness at St. Gregory's Church Hall, Borough Road, South Shields.

“I started it in October 2016 and the first six months were really tough. I was finding I was paying out more than what I was making, then it all started to take off.

“It’s a lot better now. I do classes around South Tyneside and we have some well-attended classes.

“It was a job I loved doing so it was only natural to want to carry on and the people who attend are lovely.

“I wanted the classes to be as inclusive to as many people as possible, whatever their health concern.

“The sessions have been designed so they can be adapted to suit an individuals own pace and level. If they are unable to stand, they can do the exercises sitting down.”

Zoe added: “After the sessions we all stay behind and have a cup of tea and a chat.

“A lot of the people who attend, they are on their own, so it is more like a social gathering for them.

“It is great and people who attend take real ownership of the classes, it’s lovely.”

Light Circuit sessions involve people working on 12 different stages which aim to work the heart and lungs and includes a range of upper body and lower body exercises.

Sessions are held Monday to Friday at a variety of venues including Marsden Road Health Centre, Cleadon Park PCT, St Gregory’s Church Hall and Falstone Retirement House - all South Shields and Perth Green Community Centre, Grange Road Baptist Church,in Jarrow.

For class times call Zoe on 07470 470 297 or email [email protected]