Wokingham

Wokingham Borough’s over 60s are a shining example of how to get fit and active following the launch of the borough council’s Some Health Improvements Need Exercise (SHINE) activity programme.

So far 450 over Wokingham 60s have joined in the activities. The SHINE programme runs in 10 week blocks and there is so much on offer for the over 60s including pilates, golf, salsa dancing, Nordic walking, line dancing, T’ai Chi, ten pin bowling, tennis and archery to name just a few. And for those less-able residents, seated exercise to movement and standing movement to music sessions also run. The next set of 10 week blocks start the week beginning June 8.

Wokingham Salsa dancing is a fun and energetic course which takes place at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre. Budding Latino dancers will have the chance to learn the basic steps before soon dancing to the rhythm of the music. The session is a great way to make friends in a fun and relaxing environment. And for all those dance enthusiasts line dancing sessions take place at Wokingham Baptist Church and Margaret Gimblett Pavilion in Charvil.

Nordic walking sessions also take place at Cantley Park in Wokingham before the final part of the course takes place at Dinton Pastures Country Park. Nordic walking uses poles and this has a number of benefits to walking. First of all the use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs and secondly the poles propel the walker along, so therefore the walker works hard than unusual yet the support of the pole makes it feel easier!

Various T’ai Chi sessions catering for Wokingham beginners to intermediates takes place across the borough. T’ai Chi is a soft gentle form of exercise with slow continuous movements. It encourages relaxed breathing and integrates the mind, body and spirit. With continued practice, T’ai Chi can lead to a relaxed state of mind, greater energy levels, improved flexibility and improved health.

Another session of gentle exercise also takes place in Charvil in the form of pilates. Pilates is great exercise for both men and women and it can help reduce pain and stiffness as it helps build muscle strength, endurance and well-being. The stretching exercises increase flexibility without stressing the joints and is good for strengthening abdominal muscles. Pilates also helps to reduce stress levels, anxiety and sleeplessness.

The over 60s can enjoy ten pin bowling at the Big Apple in Wokingham, as well as playing nine holes of golf at Hurst Golf Course on certain days of the week for a reduced price. Tennis sessions also run at Cantley Park as well as archery sessions.

Seated exercise to music helps improves balance, posture and coordination and sessions take place in Wokingham and Shinfield. There is also a standing movement to music session at Cantley Park each week. In Charvil and Wokingham, a balance, co-ordination and relaxation session takes place. This is a chance to develop relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, which will help restore self-confidence and self-esteem.

The cost of the sessions vary starting at £1.50 for line dancing, and up to £15 for ten tickets to play tennis for one hour. For costings, venues and dates and times of the courses visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/shine .

Anyone wanting to join future SHINE sessions can contact the sports development unit on (0118) 974 6264 or email SHINE@wokingham.gov.uk . A copy of the brochure and booking form can be downloaded from: www.wokingham.gov.uk/shine A booking form needs to be completed to reserve a place on the class.

Andrea Ford, physical activity co-ordinator, said: “SHINE is a fun programme of sports and physical activities for the over-60s. The sessions are a great way for the over 60s to meet new people, get fit and active. The next set of 10 week blocks start week beginning June 8, so now’s your chance to put your name down and reserve a place. Many sessions cost as little as £1.50 a week. What’s stopping you – we’d love you to join us!”

Wokingham Borough Council