Fitness classes for over-55s return to Havant as activities take place outside

All of the Get Up and Go activities put on by Havant Borough Council had to pause or be put online while people were unable to visit exercise classes - but participants are pleased to get back to fun activities like pilates and yoga together.

Organisers made sure online classes kept people exercising throughout lockdown, with instructors helping to keep a sense of normality for participants.

Maddison Borlase-Bune, Get up and Go project officer, said: 'It has been fantastic to see all of our participants again and those new get outdoors and enjoy what the programme has to offer.

‘We hope to continue to begin more of our activities over the next coming months and we are making sure all of our activities are safe in the environment that they are in for all to attend.’

Classes which have returned include a fun fitness class on a Monday at 9am at Front Lawn recreation ground, boot camp on a Monday evening at 6pm at Front Lawn recreation ground, and pilates on a Tuesday morning at 8.30am at Front Lawn recreation ground.

There is also fun fitness on a Wednesday at Emsworth recreation ground at both 10.15am and 11.15am, pilates on a Thursday at Hayling Island park at 1pm, and Friday yoga at 9.15am and 10.15am at Front Lawn Recreation ground.

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They are also in the process of bringing back Nordic walking classes and coastal rowing, which have previously proven a hit.

Maddison added: ‘All participants enjoy the classes outside and most prefer this, of course not when it is raining! It has made us think differently about how we can make more classes outside in the warmer months going forward.

‘It has been amazing to see first had the enthusiasm of all of our participants and those new to the programme. The months spent inside have meant that many of us are eager to get back out doing something but safely.’

Visit getupandgohavant.com for more information about the scheme.

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