Healthy social activity

CONTOURS Penrith is offering seniors over 55 a free trial until the end of March, 2013 to see if the women's gym is the right environment for them.

Contours Penrith director Kristy Green says seniors should keep active because it keeps you able to do the things you enjoy.

"We know that muscle mass decreases from the age of 35 (important for joint support) and bone density, particularly in women, decreases from about 45 years of age or pre-menopause (with about one in two women over 50 suffering a bone fracture from osteoporosis)," Ms Green said.

"Being active keeps you able to keep up with the grandkids, to continually do the hobbies that you love, to meet new people, to enjoy life, feel independent and keep living."

Ms Green says seniors could keep fit at Contours for social and health reasons.

"As time goes by, we know that balance, co-ordination, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, among other ailments, can become a problem," she said.

"We have a lovely social group of members who currently attend Contours and the benefits are showing. We foster a social environment where members feel comfortable to mingle.

"We work closely with members' differences, so whether someone has shoulder complaints, have had hip replacements, knee replacements, flexibility restrictions or have experienced heart attacks, there is something for everyone."

Ms Green provided some tips for seniors wanting to get fit.

"For seniors, short bursts of regular exercise are necessary; this could be structured like 15 minutes of planned physical activity, two to three times per day, depending on ability," she said. "Contours' 30-minute programs are perfect for this, as can be seen by our fit and well ladies aged from 16 to 72."

■ Details: Contours Penrith, Unit 25, 46-48 Abel Street, Penrith (near Jamison Park).

Visit: contours.net.au or call 4722 9330 or

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