A NEW fitness class designed specifically for the over-60s has launched in Ilkley as part of a campaign to help people to stay young by improving strength, balance and overall health throughout ageing.

Move It Or Lose It Instructor and Chartered Physiotherapist Paula Cooper is on a mission to keep the over 60s moving by encouraging them to go along to an exercise class with a difference designed by Move it or Lose its founder Julie Robinson as seen on BBC’s “How to Stay Young”.

The class is known as FABS, which stands for Flexibility, Aerobics, Balance and Strength. The FABS programme combines exercises that have been scientifically proven by the Centre for Healthy Ageing Research at the University of Birmingham to turn back the clock.

Paula explains how her Move it or Lose it class can help older people feel fabulous about life: “I’m thrilled to be part of the FABS family.

“I want to make a real difference to the community and to get this age group feeling great about themselves again.

“There’s so many classes and clubs aimed at the under fifties and very little for baby boomers who still want to feel great but don’t like going to the gym to keep fit.

“It’s a fantastic way to get together with other people in the area, keep fit and have fun whilst doing it!

“The exercises we do in the classes are easy to follow and fun. This isn’t about people dressing in Lycra ready to hit the gym or do a high intensity session, FABS is for people who want to live longer, happier, healthier lives.

“We ensure there’s a warm welcome for everyone who attends.

The Ilkley class is noon on Wednesday’s at All Saints Church Hall, 6 Church Street, Ilkley LS29 9DS.

Move it or Lose it was launched in 2010 by fitness expert and columnist, Julie Robinson who has developed an award-winning range of DVDs and exercise products to promote active ageing.

She has since developed the FABS exercise programme in conjunction with Professor Janet Lord at the Centre for Healthy Ageing Research at the University of Birmingham.

She was also involved with the filming of BBC documentary How to Stay Young (2016). There are over 11.4m residents living in the UK over the age of 65.

For more information contact Paula Cooper, Specialist Physiotherapist Helping Older People, Tel: 07736 614052, email: paula.cooper@moveitorloseit.co.uk