Abbots Activity centre puts the Olympic spirit to great use (From Gazette)

Abbots Activity centre puts the Olympic spirit to great use

6:00pm Thursday 6th September 2012 in News By James Cox

A FITNESS event taught elderly and wheelchair-bound people how to stay healthy.

The Going for Gold event was held at Abbots Activity centre on Wednesday.

It was arranged to coincide with the Olympic and Paralympics to inspire people back to health.

The main aim was to show people of senior years, or with various ailments, the benefit of gentle exercise.

Those taking part competed against one another for a taste of gold medal glory.

Morning events used games, such as skittles and pool, to improve co-ordination.

The afternoon saw classes by K-Fitness instructor, Kathy Cross.

She taught a range of techniques, such as arm curls, leg raises and knee lifts as mild, introduction exercises.

Mrs Cross said: “Everyone has something wrong with them, but that shouldn’t stop them getting fit.

“A couple of the ladies today said they were surprised at how much they managed to do. It is empowering for them.”

Winners who did the most exercises in each category were awarded a medal by Abbots’ staff.

K-Fitness specialises in fitness classes for people referred by their GPs and cardiac rehabilitation patients.

The techniques taught can help with every day things like opening windows and standing up from a sitting position.

Regular, hour-long classes will take place at the centre at 1.15pm on Mondays.