There’s a lot of evidence that shows that exercising as we get older or if we suffer a chronic health condition makes a significant improvement in our quality of life, but it’s often difficult to know where to start. That’s where Sport Aberdeen’s Active Lifestyles programme comes in. The programme offers specially designed exercise activities for older adults, people with long-term health conditions like diabetes or pulmonary problems, stroke recovery, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, being overweight, coping with chronic pain or for those who are just starting out.
In some cases, people are referred to classes by their GP, physio, dietician or occupational therapist, but you can also join in without being referred. There are around 25 referral classes a week. There are activities across the city from Northfield and Dyce to Cults and Kincorth. Activities on offer include pickle ball, walking football for ladies and men, seated exercise classes, strength and balance activities, gym work and circuits. There are swimming classes and pool activities for adults too.
There are Move More classes at Maggie’s Centre and Good Boost classes for those with musculoskeletal conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis where AI tech is used to create bespoke programmes for each class member. There are Good Boost classes in the pool at Northfield and Tullos and land-based classes at Northfield.
The Counterweight programme involves Counterweight, Grampian NHS and Aberdeen Sport coming together in a combination of education, exercise and a healthy diet.
All the Active Lifestyles activities and classes have been designed by Sport Aberdeen’s expert team and are delivered by really supportive class leaders. You work at your own pace and the wide variety of activities on offer means there’s bound to be something you love, rather than exercise being difficult, painful or a chore.
If you’re more the outdoor type, there are healthy walking groups across the city, organised in conjunction with Paths for All. Walks tend to be largely on the flat and can last up to an hour, with three levels of intensity. There are even opportunities to volunteer as a walk leader if there isn’t a group in your area.
As well as the physical health benefits, joining the Active Lifestyles programme brings tremendous social benefits, meeting new people, having a chat and making new friends, all of which have a positive benefit on wellbeing. The walking groups are free, with classes costing £4 or less each. There are Sport Aberdeen memberships which offer better value if you’re attending more than one session a week and the Get Active For Less scheme offers discounts depending on circumstance.
Active Lifestyles is about adding years to your life and life to your years!
Find out more at sportaberdeen.co.uk or email ActiveLifestyles@sportaberdeen.co.uk