Some people try to break records by being the fastest or going the furthest. But local people in Hampshire have the chance to be part of history…from their chair.
To mark the International Day of Older Persons on Thursday 1st October, Andover will host an attempt to break the UK record for the largest seated exercise class ever held in the country – and it could be a world record challenge too – with local people’s help.
The organisers from the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and Valley Leisure would like people (aged 18 or over) with a free hour next Thursday to come to Andover Leisure Centre, and boost their chances of becoming world beaters.
Liz Murray, Valley Leisure’s community development manager said: “The ‘Steady and Strong’ class is a 30-minute group exercise class that helps to build strength and improve mobility for older people, or people who might be too frail to take part in other forms of exercise.”
“But on 1 October, we want as many people as possible to join in. If they do, we will be in the record books. And many more people will know that almost everyone can do some exercise, no matter how old or frail they are – and it’s really good for them.”
The record attempt costs £3 per person and everyone who takes part will be given a goody bag containing the exercise band they used during the event, a banana, a bottle of water and some information about reducing falls and osteoporosis. Competitors will also be able to keep the special record attempt T-shirt they will wear during the activity.
With an aging population and many people living sedentary lives, this record attempt aims to inspire people to take up exercise, or just as importantly, not to give it up as they get older.
Liz added: “Physical activity is essential in older age to help reduce frailty, prevent falls and increase mobility and independence. Doing some form of physical activity at least twice a week can help massively, especially as we get older.”
“Active people are more likely to have better moods, be less anxious, have better memory, sleep better and have more social contacts.”
“We’re expecting almost 180 people to turn up so we’re already well on our way to break the UK record. But what we’d really like to do is put Andover on the map and break the world record too, which currently stands at 481.”
Participants are requested to register in advance for this event by going to valleyleisure.co.uk/buyonline. Registrations on the day will be open from 12pm to 1.45pm.
