A new fitness and feel good club aimed at tackling isolation among Nantwich residents has proved so popular it is set to expand in the New year.
Instructor Clare Eaton launched her new “gentle fitness” club in September to help older people get fitter and offer a chance for people to socialise.
Since then, her classes at Nantwich Youth and Community Centre on Birchin Lane have boomed.
Now she is planning to expand to a second class in January to cope with the demand.
Clare recently arranged a Christmas outing for her group where members enjoyed lunch together.
She said: “It was the first of many gatherings I’ll be arranging for the wonderful fitness group.
“I had no idea how special the group was going to become, and I’m so thrilled with how it’s grown. We now have so many lovely people joining us each week that I’m expanding to two classes!”
Clare’s sessions will run on Monday mornings 10.30–11.30am and Wednesday mornings 10.30–11.30am, both at Nantwich Youth and Community Centre.
The classes offer gentle movement, followed by a warm social gathering with tea, coffee, cake, and lots of friendly chat.
She added: “Our first Christmas get-together was such a success, and we had a truly wonderful time. It’s a very special group.
“The aim of these sessions is to help people feel fitter, stronger, and more confident through gentle movement that’s suitable for all abilities.
“Just as importantly, each class is followed by tea, coffee, cake, and chat giving people the chance to connect, make friends, and combat loneliness, especially as we head into the winter months.”
Clare is a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer in Nantwich.
She teaches fitness classes for every age group but recently she wanted to do something more “for our older community”.
Clare added: “I look after my elderly mum and I have seen how many older people around us feel isolated and lonely.
“I’ve seen the negative impact that a lack of movement and human interaction have on older people and I have found it heart-breaking.”
Anyone interested can book a place by calling Clare on 07811 983 823.
Thank you very much Nesta, I saw a need too, my classes are very gentle, there is no getting up or down from the floor, all the exercises are to help keep you strong and flexible to help with every day tasks. You are more than welcome to come along anytime, the group is absolutely lovely and we have great fun, Clare xx
such a lovely idea, there is massive demand for something like this locally, the town is full of coffee shops and pubs yet nothing gentle like classes to suit older folk, the swimming pool do classes but unless you can kneel down or lie on the floor, that is not achievable, even the aqua aerobics is too hard on the joints, and certainly not at all fit for those with issues