A FITNESS group which helps Solihull women stay fit and healthy has celebrated its 80th anniversary.
The Fitness League has been putting local women through their paces at Elmdon Heath Community Centre, with some clocking up 50 and 60 years of classes.
To mark its 80th birthday, the Solihull Fitness League slipped into their workout gear and took to the floor for a class before enjoying a coffee and cake morning, raising £250 for the local SEALS Disabled Swimming Club.
The group is part of the national Women’s League of Health and Beauty, which was founded by Mary Bagot Stack in 1930 to encourage women to improve their health and well-being.
At the time, exercises centred around core stability, strengthening, toning and stretching – all key practices which current Solihull instructor Jenny Dingley uses in her classes.
“It is so important for everyone to keep mobile and flexible in order to build up strength and stamina,” Ms Dingley said.
“We may not dash about frantically, but I try to make the sessions challenging whilst still allowing people to work within their own ability range.
“The main think is to make the sessions enjoyable, to provide interaction and fun as well as the serious part of keeping sit and active – and enjoying a cup of coffee and a chat after the class too.”
Despite not being a medical professional, Jenny is also always on hand to offer her class attendees advice on aches and pains – suggesting exercises and stretches to ease the problem areas.
Visit www.thefitnessleague.com for more information about joining the ladies at The Fitness League.
