New fitness classes for the over 60s launching in Lichfield and Stonnall

The unique training programme has been developed in partnership with the Birmingham Centre for Healthy Ageing Research at Birmingham University to combine the essential components for health and wellbeing as per the Chief Medical Officer and NICE guidelines for older adults.

The classes will begin on Thursday, 9 January, offering a perfect opportunity to make staying active part of your New Year’s resolutions. As an incentive to kick start your fitness journey, the classes on January 9 and 16 will be free.

Classes are at St Chad’s Church Hall, Gifford Croft, Lichfield at 10am, and Stonnall Village Hall, 114 Main St, Stonnall (WS9 9DY) at 12 noon.

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain mobility, independence, and vitality as we age. Move It or Lose It classes are specifically tailored to older adults, providing a safe, fun, and welcoming environment to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and overall fitness. Perfect for beginners, those returning to exercise or even people with long term health conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, these classes are designed to accommodate all fitness levels, whether seated or standing.

“The New Year is a fantastic time to set new goals and focus on self-care,” says Instructor Cat Stuart. “Behind the fun of the class is a serious mission to help people stay independent for longer.

“It’s unbelievable to think that 25 per cent of women and 7 per cent of men over the age of 70 do not have sufficient leg strength to get out of a chair without using their arms. This is when the problems begin as they are at risk of losing their strength and with it their independence. Research has also shown that people participating in a group exercise group are less likely to quit and I have people who have seen the benefits of coming to my classes for over eight years!”.

Anna has been attending the classes for nearly seven years and said: “I was referred to the exercise class by a consultant who wanted me to strengthen my core muscle and that was a long time ago. I recently saw a senior physiotherapist who told me ‘Whatever it is you are doing, keep it up because it is doing you good’. What better recommendation is there than that!”.

Another participant, Rosemary, has also experienced the benefits: “It is carefully programmed for the over 60s although most of the class are in their 70s or 80s like me. The hour goes by so quickly and all parts of the body are stretched in a safe way. I would recommend it to anyone over 70 to keep them going physically, in a fun class and make new friends too”.

By joining, participants can:

For more information or to sign up, contact Cat Stuart on 07973 819629 or visit catstuart.co.uk.