Over-50s classes start
New classes in the Active Over 50 health and exercise program have begun at the Ettalong Uniting Church.
Weekly classes in tai chi will now be held out of the Picnic Pde venue every Monday from 3.45pm and every Thursday from 8.45am.
According to communications director for Central Coast Health Ms Wendy Harris, tai chi involves very slow, gentle movements that are excellent for managing arthritis, improving posture and balance, increasing strength, and promoting flexibility.
"The regular practice of tai chi is effective in reducing the risk of having a fall or multiple falls," Ms Harris said.
"It is an excellent starting point for people with arthritis, diabetes, circulation problems, overweight, and for people who haven't exercised for a long time.
"If you're over 50 and you've never exercised, you have a lot to gain by becoming more active, even in small amounts.
"As well as helping you to look and feel great, putting together a small amount of physical activity each day can lead to excellent health benefits.
"Building up to 30 minutes of physical activity each day can improve your wellbeing and reduce the risk of serious illness such as cancers, heart diseases, and diabetes.
"The Active Over 50 program is a great way to get started."
Ms Harris said the program offered affordable classes in strength training, gentle exercise, tai chi, aquafitness, and ballroom dancing and were conducted by qualified instructors across several venues on the Peninsula.
Local residents aged 50 and over interested in taking part in a class who haven't tried Active over 50 before can request a pass to try any class of their choice for free.
For more information, contact the Central Coast Health Promotion Unit on 4349 4800 or visit www.healthpromotions.com.au/ActiveOver50.htm.
Press release, 16 Sep 2009
Wendy Harris, Northern Sydney Central Coast Health