A new fitness group aimed at the over 55s is starting at the Hub in Thie Rosien (the old Southlands), Castletown Road, Port Erin.

The sessions - which include strengthening and mobility exercises - will take place from 3pm to 4.30pm on Thursdays and from 11am to 12.30pm on Saturdays with more sessions in the pipeline.

This is the latest in a series of activities based at the Hub - including Men in Sheds, games sessions, a running group and art and writing sessions - and run by Southern Community Initiatives aimed at improving residents’ social, physical and emotional well being.

’We all know that we need to do regular exercise but taking those first steps can be harder for some people than others,’ said Janet Bridle, the Hub co-ordinator. ’Exercising and fitness in a social setting is much more enjoyable than doing it on your own and you are more likely to stick at it.’

Running the sessions is Lesley Christian, a qualified fitness instructor, who explained: ’We offer a programme of exercises that are suited to the individual so it really doesn’t matter if you are doing no current exercise or if you want to add these sessions to a weekly programme.’

Find out more at a coffee morning on Monday at 10.30am at the Hub. Meet Lesley and sign up for sessions, as the places are limited.

Osteopath Gareth Watt will talk at the coffee morning about the many benefits of exercise as experienced through seeing the response of his patients.

’There is a whole body of research that promotes the many health benefits of joining social groups and a social exercise group is top of the list,’ he said. ’Being with others motivates you to be healthier, it can also alleviate depression, improve your heart, cut your risk of colds and flu and thereby help you live longer and more independently.’

’There is no commitment required other than perhaps a commitment to your health and well being,’ said Janet.

Janet thanked the Gough Ritchie Trust and Elizabeth Clucas Chartable Trust and a private donor for their financial support of the sessions.