A range of classes and activities focused on promoting healthier lifestyles will be on offer at the new £26m Dover District Leisure Centre when it opens on Monday 25 February. The Healthy Communities programme includes sessions aimed at improving heart and mental health, post-natal exercise for mother and baby, and cancer rehabilitation.
Sarah Manton, Healthy Communities Manager, at operators Places Leisure, said: “Regular exercise can help with a wide range of conditions and we appreciate some people need a little extra support on their journey to healthier lifestyles. As well as fantastic new facilities, we’re offering a wide range of classes and activities for those looking to get back on track with their health and fitness goals, whether it’s after having a baby, staying active in older age, or rehabilitation following illness.”
The Healthy Communities programme includes:
Active Hearts: aimed at promoting long term health for people referred by their GPs for help with weight loss, diabetes, or for a programme of exercise following a stroke or heart condition.
Steady and Strong: aimed at older people to help with day-to-day functional movement, improving strength, and focussing on motor skills and balance.
Easy Group Cycle: aimed at beginners or those returning to exercise and designed to improve cardio fitness whilst minimising impact on joints.
Easy Aquafit: exercising in water is a great way to support the body for those less steady on their feet and looking for low impact exercise. These instructor led sessions are available for those with a GP exercise referral or people with low risk conditions.
Easy Legs, Bums & Tums: a gentler version of the old favourite, for anyone new to exercise or needing a gentler option before moving on to regular group workout classes.
Mum & Baby - Legs, Bums & Tums: focused on post-natal recovery, as well as providing social and mental health benefits. Babies are welcome to enjoy the music too provided they are in a buggy or car seat.
Parent & Baby Group Cycling: 30 minute sessions designed to assist post-natal recovery or as a social interaction to promote mental health wellbeing for parents without the need for childcare. Babies are required to be in buggies or car seats during the class.
Junior Fitness (Age 7-11): targeted on cardio and bodyweight to improve health, address obesity issues and general fitness levels of school age children.
Cancer Rehabilitation: starting in April 2019, a circuit-style class for people who have been recently diagnosed with cancer or who are currently receiving treatment, or in remission.
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Dover District Council’s cabinet member who led the leisure centre project, said: “The new Dover District Leisure Centre represents more than just bricks and mortar. This is a long term investment in health and well-being, and we’re delighted that Places Leisure has introduced an innovative programme of classes and activities designed to help all sections of the community to live, healthier, more active lifestyles.”
More information about the sessions, including a timetable and a full list of the classes available, can be found on the Places Leisure website.
Posted on 07 February 2019