Thanks to a start up grant from the Bideford Bridge Trust and in partnership with Age Concern Devon ‘Fit as a Fish’ project, 5 x 30 Torridge and Torridge Leisure Centre a social fitness morning will be available to the residents of Torridge and surrounding areas in the near future.  

This new project, to set up a fitness programme for over 50’s at Torridge Leisure Centre, every Tuesday morning during school term time will enhance the fitness, mobility and health of users.

 We aim to introduce a range of activities which include: assisted swimming, aqua aerobics, use of the gym, seated exercise, yoga, Tai Chi, salsa and other innovative forms of exercise. These activities would be organised into a rolling programme of exercise and activities over a period of 42 weeks throughout the year. The activity morning session, including refreshments will cost £3.00 per person with free admission to carers with clients.

There will be a chance for the clients to meet up towards the end of the session and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. This would also create an ideal opportunity to invite various services, organisations and presenters to have some input e.g. the health service checking blood pressure, cholesterol etc. or a nutritionist giving advice in this area, a local historian, local celebrity etc.

Trish warren, the Fit as a Fish co-ordinator at Age Concern Devon said “I am sure this new project aimed specifically for people who would not normally exercise on a regular basis will be a huge success, as has been the case for other ‘Fit as a Fish’ sessions throughout Devon. The health benefits of exercise are well documented and the social element within the session will help create an enjoyable experience for all in a fun, relaxed and informative way.