(left to right) Abigail, Maria and Patou take advantage of Hackney Council’s offer of free exercise for over-50s – Credit: www.voice-online.co.uk

A new fitness cub especially designed for the older residents in Hackney has opened in Britannia Leisure Centre.

The opening was based on the success of the already existing Better Club at King’s Hall Leisure Centre.

The new program at Britannia will be based on sessions that proved to be popular at King’s Hall, as well as being built around existing activities offered at the centre, increasing the number of days the centre caters for older people.

Elliot Corton, Hackney’s Community Sports Manager, explained that the decision to open a new Better Club 50+ at the leisure centre was based on the increasing number of 50+ members already using the facilities.

“The aim of the project is to engage and inspire older people to start participating in physical activity and sport or to continue to do so,” Corton said.

“As the programme grows we will continue to review the offer that is available to our members in order to meet their needs and wants as to what they wish to see incorporated,” Corton explained.

He also revealed that sessions such as Short Mat Bowls and Tai Chi will be added, to further expand the programme at Britannia.

The club also facilitates an active social life for older people who can feel isolated by arranging social events throughout the year such as Christmas meals, fruit-picking, group trips to museums and picnics.

In addition to the sports sessions and social events, participants will have the opportunity to represent Hackney in the Annual Better Club Games.

Better Club 50+ at Britannia Leisure Centre offer activities designed for older people on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday. For more information and the full programme, visit their website here.