Helping those over the age of 60 get more from their everyday living and recreation are key aims behind Lakes Leisure's "Leisurelys Programme", to be launched on Monday.
Programme manager Alana Talbot said the organisation would offer a "safe, enjoyable exercise programme" tailored to individuals, aiming to improve physical fitness, strength, flexibility and balance while enhancing independence.
"We identified a gap in local health and fitness services and wanted to create something special for our older community to keep them active and improve their independence.
"While we will focus on the physical side of improving members' fitness, members will also enjoy the social connections that the group will foster.
"We hope that this, coupled with the greater sense of independence they will experience, will also improve their emotional wellbeing," Ms Talbot said.
The programme would be run by instructors familiar with working with the over-60s.
A range of group fitness classes including Les Mills BodyVive, Cardiac Club, AquaFit and Falls Prevention would be offered, along with walking groups and social get-togethers.
Members would receive an initial assessment with a physiotherapist, who would work with the instructors to ensure each member's specific needs were met.
Ms Talbot hoped members would see a marked improvement in their blood pressure and cholesterol, along with better balance and an increase in lean muscle mass.
"The benefits of the programme for older people are immense and certainly not limited to the obvious physical benefits of exercise.
"People of this age group can potentially get so much more out of reviving their physical wellbeing than a healthier body."
Lakes Leisure would deliver the classes at "significantly reduced" prices to maximise participation in the programme, as well as explore sponsorship options, including member discounts for goods and services at local retail outlets.
For more information on the programme, becoming a member or a sponsor, email alana@lakesleisure.co.nz or go to www.lakesleisure.co.nz.
