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Gym'Ll Fix It ( Even at 80

Posted on: Thursday, 19 January 2006, 06:00 CST

By Hannah Davies

Hannah Davies finds out you don't have to be young and a size eight to get fit.

"I had two heart attacks. The first was 10 years ago and the second six years ago. When I was ill I spoke to my doctor, who told me how serious the situation was and that I needed to start taking exercise."

So says widower Eric Niven, 77, a former press room worker at The Journal and a member of a fitness class at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

"The doctor told me the heart is like any other muscle and that if I exercised, it would get stronger and I'd be healthier. Since I've started this class twice a week, I've not had another heart attack. Exercise has definitely helped my health. It can't do anything but have a positive influence and I feel better for doing it," says Eric, of Gateshead.

For many of us the New Year resolution to become fitter seems insurmountable. Intimidated by images of superfit people in leotards at gyms, we are more likely to reach for another biscuit than face our fears.

But a new team of fitness experts at Gateshead Leisure Centre is changing all that and making exercise something everyone from eight to 80 can feel comfortable doing.

Fitness-activity development officer Dawn Harvey, 35, of Boldon, South Tyneside, leads the team of health workers who manage exercise activities across the borough.

She says: "There are a lot of health problems in the region and we are trying to educate people not just about taking exercise, but about their health as a whole. People are undoubtedly intimidated by gyms, so we try to break down those barriers by going out into the community so people can exercise with their neighbours, and by giving them access and ideas around where they live. We don't just suggest fitness classes or going to work out. There are hundreds of ways of encouraging people to get fit, from walking the dog to tennis. A lot of people say they would like to do some exercise but they don't know what to do or how to do it ( which is a situation we are out to change."

The workers concentrate on four areas in particular. These are health referrals ( for example, people who have had high blood pressure ( older people, fitness in the workplace and people aged 16 to 24.

Dawn says: "At the moment, we are giving a specific focus on young people. Often as soon as they leave school and compulsory physical education classes, they stop doing exercise.

"An added reason for this is they have more money from working, so they will go out for a drink instead of working out. We are letting young people know what activities are on and how they can get involved in them, and also the benefits of keeping fit from a young age."

This year, the team will move to a new base at Gateshead International Stadium with a fitness room, outdoor floodlit sports courts and an indoor athletics hall. The work has been funded by One NorthEast, Active England, Northern Rock Foundation and the Learning and Skills Council.

But for now they are at Gateshead Leisure Centre. Dawn says: "In our older people and health referral classes we have seen some incredible improvements. Especially with the older people ( a lot of them think the only way they can go is down and they've given up.

"But through doing simple exercises they regain mobility and have less painful joints. Some have even stopped needing to use inhalers."

It is clear the participants are gaining from their workouts, which they do wearing casual clothes with not a leotard or Lycra gym outfit in sight.

Alan Curry, 74, of Winlaton, a former farmworker and wagon driver, began coming to the class six years ago after a heart attack. "At first, I wasn't very convinced about coming here, but we have a laugh and it keeps you healthy."

Bachelor Colin White, 67, a former electrician from Felling started exercise after a heart bypass operation. He says: "It keeps us moving and away from sitting in front of the TV. I really enjoy coming here to see my friends and to get me out and about. The exercise definitely helps as well as making sure I get out of the house and involved in things."

Norman Rose, 82, married to Eleinor, [OK] 76, of Wardley, had a heart attack. He explains how he became friends with Alan, Colin and Eric. "We all arrived six years ago and we had various different heart complaints. We became friends through the class. The exercise keeps you going forward and keeps all of the limbs and muscles working. I really enjoy it. I come twice a meet, meet my friends and get out of the house from under my wife's feet!"

Dragana [OK] Hanzen, 38, of Gateshead, leads the class and loves her job. "It is really rewarding seeing people get better and how much they improve from the first time they come here. I hope we can encourage more people to come to exercise classes or to take up swimming or just walk more.

"People should realise that exercise can be simple and good fun."

* For information on fitness programmes contact your council.

Dawn harvey's gentle excercises for ALL

Before starting any new exercise regime, talk to your GP.

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS

When performing any of the following exercises, always stand with knees slightly bent to avoid putting any strain on the joints. Always think about posture and stand up straight with your tummy pulled in tight, your breathing natural and avoid holding your breath.

All the movements should be controlled. Try counting up for 2 and down for 2 before your next repetition.

PREPARATIONS

Stand behind a chair which can offer some support and assist with balance (a dining or kitchen chair is ideal). Place both hands on the chair for support, taking care not to lean or hunch forwards.

Hamstring curl

This exercise works hamstrings, the large muscle group at the back of thigh.

Place your feet shoulder-width apart, bend knees and bring your heels up towards your bottom. Try performing eight on each leg.

Side leg raise

This works the abductors, the large muscle group on the outside of the thigh.

Bring your feet together and raise your leg out to the side keeping your toes facing forwards. Try performing eight on each leg.

Heel raises

This works the calf muscles below the back of the knee.

Keeping feet together and the knees slightly bent, raise heels off the floor and put weight on the ball of the feet, then lower. Try performing eight of these.

Knee raises

This works the quadriceps muscle group at the front of the leg and also the hip flexors.

Turn to the side and place one hand on the chair for support. Keep your legs close together and raise one knee up towards your chest. Take your foot back towards the floor and swap legs. Try performing eight on each leg.

Source: The Journal - Newcastle-upon-Tyne

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