Shaping up for Spring

Elderly Asian residents at a sheltered scheme in North Finchley have been shaping up throughout the winter with the help of new exercise classes.

Around 15 enthusiasts at Chand House in North Finchley have been boosting their fitness levels with Pilates, a form of exercise which improves posture, breath control, muscle tone, strength, flexibility and relaxation.

The men and women, aged between 65 and 92, have been finding the sessions a great way to stay fit with outdoor walks difficult in the winter weather.

The classes are led by Alison Noriega-Clarke, a volunteer teacher from Cherry Lodge Cancer Care.

Chand House, a 30-flat sheltered scheme for older people, is managed by ASRA Greater London Housing Association.

Praveen Musti, Manager of Chand House, said: “We introduced Pilates on the recommendation of Cherry Lodge Cancer Care, which runs our Healthy Living Surgery, to add to the range of activities offered to residents. Initially we held one session of Pilates a month, but the classes have proved so popular we increased them to twice-monthly.”

He added: “With all the recent snow and cold weather, many people have been reluctant to go out for walks. Instead, they have been enjoying themselves and feeling fitter by simply exercising in a chair and listening to music at our Pilates classes.”

ASRA, which is part of the LHA-ASRA housing and regeneration group, manages over 2,600 homes across 22 London boroughs.