Silver Living Manchester

Turning pedal power to gold www.belong.org.uk Belong’s award-winning exercise service is helping older people achieve major milestones in later life, reducing the risk of falls and having enormous fun along the way. While everyone recognises the importance of exercise for the young, what is less commonly acknowledged is that the benefits of staying active are even more compelling as you get older. Regular exercise is key tomaintaining core strength and, without this, the basic skill of standing up and walking can be lost. NHS Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults over 65 recommend at least 2½ hours of moderate intensity exercise each week, supplemented by 75 minutes of vigorous exercise for those who are already active. Independence and wellbeing A carefully designed programme of exercise improves strength, balance, flexibility and co-ordination, reducing the risk of falls and promoting everyday living skills. Improved mood and sleep patterns, greater participation in activities, decreased stiffness and pain, lower blood pressure and greater memory capacity are many of the proven benefits. Personalised programmes Working alongside other health professionals, Belong’s qualified fitness instructors design and facilitate personalised exercise programmes that match individual health circumstances and wellbeing goals. NATIONALLY RECOGNISED: Belong’s exercise service won the 3rd Sector Care Award 2018 for Innovative Quality Outcomes. Specialist gyms With seven locations around the North West, every Belong village boasts a state-of-the-art gym, with hi-tech equipment enabling people to exercise for longer: customers view breathtaking landscapes while cycling or join in virtual reality games stimulating brain function and providing targeted muscle support. Rehabilitation As a result of these programmes, Belong has a great track record in achieving tremendous outcomes for individuals through exercise. These include supporting people to walk again after they have been led to believe this would not be possible, whether a lady who regained mobility in order to walk her daughter down the aisle or one who achieved her goal of ballroom dancing on her 100th birthday. Another customer was supported to play golf again following two strokes. Social benefits The simple enjoyment of staying active, achieving goals and remaining competitive are all part of the transformative effects of exercise. This was powerfully brought to life in Belong’s recent participation in an international indoor cycling competition, which saw 15 residents cycle a total of 500km and make the UK top 10. Belong’s Ryan Cadman, commented: “Exercise is a fundamental part of Belong’s culture and the competition provided another innovative way of encouraging our customers to stay active. It was really inspiring to see people come down everyday to cycle and take part!”