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Active ageing is about preventing illness, enjoying recreation and social interaction through physical activity. After retirement it is also about maintaining mobility, independence and quality of life.
News
Dick Gradley, rowing champion
The search begins for Leeds sporting golden oldies
The search is on to find Leeds veteran athletes - anyone over the age of 60 who participates in at least 30 minutes of any sport or physical activity once a week or more is eligible. The nomination process is now open and runs until Monday 16 April. A nomination form can be downloaded - see top right.
Selected nominees will be invited as guests to a special celebration event at John Charles Centre for Sport on Saturday 19 May 2012.
1948 Olympic Games: then and now
Did you know that the Olympic Games has been to London before?
64 years ago nearly 400 athletes represented Great Britain and there are people in Leeds who saw them compete. If you were there or you know someone who was there please get in touch. We have five enthusiastic volunteers ready to interview them and record their stories for us and future generations.
We also want to know what you were doing during the summer of 1948: what was life like music, jobs, fashion, leisure time, food and technology.
All of these memories will be recorded and retold via digi-stories as part of a display in Leeds Museum in July 2012.
All this is being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and everything created will be stored with the West Yorkshire Archive Service.
Further information and if you would like to take part, please contact Allyson Bertram, Older Peoples’ Sport Development Officer. 0113.395.0196 or allyson.bertram@leeds.gov.uk
Where can I take part
NEW Active Life directory is now available to download. The directory lists all Active Life sessions and activities suitable for older people by leisure centre.
All leisure centres offer a range of activities suitable for all fitness levels
Types of activities available
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Swimming - generally recognised as one of the best all-round forms of exercise and can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their age or ability.
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Active Life sessions - one of our more popular activities with 50+ customers. They are a multi-activity session and are a great way to meet new people whilst improving your health and fitness. Activities vary at each session but can include swimming, aqua aerobics, badminton, circuits, aerobics, indoor bowls, table tennis, tennis and pilates.
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Outdoor activities - canoeing, orienteering, kayaking, problem solving games, sailing, climbing, raft building, traversing wall and off road biking are available at the Leeds sailing and activity centre as part of their active life programme.
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Circuits – a variety of different exercises performed for around 30 seconds each which improves both strength and stamina making this a great all round exercise and suitable for any ability level as you can work at your own pace.
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Aqua aerobics - exercise to music in the shallow end of the pool. The water supports your joints reducing the risk of muscle or joint injury whilst adding additional resistance which improves your strength, balance and stamina.
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Badminton and table tennis can be played at many of the leisure centres. Booking is essential.
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Social tennis sessions are held at the John Charles Centre for Sport's Tennis Centre. No need for a partner. Just turn up and join in.
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Back to netball sessions are fun and social gentle re-introductory sessions for ladies wishing to get back in to netball or to increase their fitness levels.
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Gym – our gyms have a range of cardiovascular and resistance equipment with something to suit everyone. The cardiovascular machines like the treadmill, rowing machine, cross-trainers, steppers and bikes will improve your fitness. A range of resistance machines can be used to improve your strength. Before you can start using the gyms you will need to have an induction with one of our instructors. This will include a demonstration of all the equipment and a personal fitness programme created for you based on your fitness goals.
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Indoor bowls – flat green bowls can be played with two to four players. The object of the game is to roll the bowls (woods) so that they come to rest as close as possible to the jack. We have an eight rink flat green bowls hall at the John Charles Centre for Sport. You can book a rink or join one of the bowls leagues. Indoor woods and shoes can be hired from reception.
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Heart Watch - is a programme specifically designed for people with cardiac related problems such as recovering from a heart attack, cardiac surgery or sufferers of angina. It is also suitable for people who have diabetes or the older person who wants to start an exercise regime. Family, friends or spouses are actively encouraged to also take part in the exercise classes.
Customer information
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Session prices are cheaper with a
Leeds card. Which Leeds Card you get depends on your circumstances.
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If you are attending several sessions per week it may be even cheaper for you to buy a
Bodyline Off Peak membership card. This card entitles you to use the gym, any fitness classes, swimming and squash before 4pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.
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Walking for Health is a national project which encourages more people to become physically active in their local communities. In Leeds, there are a large number of Walking for Health groups – short group walks (typically up to an hour), mainly led by volunteers. Taking part in a health walk is a great way to get out and about as well as meet new people. Have a look at the link to the right of this page for a list of groups in Leeds.