Older people in Wigan are leaving the youngsters standing when it comes to keeping fit according to sports and leisure experts with the borough's Culture and Leisure Trust. Across the borough the Trust's top-notch Profiles Health and Fitness Clubs are turning a whole new group onto the benefits of regular exercise - the over 50's. Pictured are a typical group of gym members at Profiles Robin Park aged between 55 and 75 who all enjoy at least three gym sessions a week!

In fact more over 50's than ever before are getting fit and staying fit not just in the gym but by using all the facilities offered by the Trust's Active Life Services.
Mike Woodruff, Centre Manager at Robin Park explained: "More and more older people are now using the facilities, across Active Life Services, than ever before. Whether it be Profiles, swimming, evergreen tennis sessions, bowling leagues or gentle exercise classes.
"As a result, we are continuing to look at our programme of activities, to ensure we have plenty on offer to meet people's needs."

Mike and the Active Life Services team believe one reason for the surge in interest from more mature fitness fans is the huge success of the Active Living Team's Steps to Health exercise referral scheme.
The scheme is a joint project with Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust to maximise the potential health of the borough's residents by encouraging them to exercise.

Wigan's newly appointed Older People's Champion Cllr Joan Hurst said the Still At It crew were an example to everyone.
"This is conclusive proof that age is absolutely no barrier when it comes to enjoying sport and exercise," said Cllr Hurst.
She added: "Active Life Services has always been at the forefront of encouraging more people to take up sport and exercise and it's paying off for everyone. "Looking at the group in the picture I'm fairly sure they could show some people half their age a clean pair of heels!"

The Active Living Team is urging anyone who thinks his or her days of taking part in sport to think again and get involved!
Contact your nearest sports centre to find out what's on offer or contact the Active Living Team on 01942 404976 to see what they can do for you.

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Notes to Editors

• Active Life Services Exercise Referral Scheme has been in operation since 1998. Anyone joining the scheme has a one-to-one consultation with the Active Living Team to agree an appropriate programme of activity. Each participant then undertakes a 12-week activity programme, followed by another meeting with the Active Living Team to assess progress and provide future support.
• The scheme is currently the subject of a research project by Liverpool John Moores University.
• To date more than 4,000 residents of Wigan Borough have been involved in the Exercise Referral Scheme.