Boom Time for Budget Exercise!

As gym membership declines and people tighten their belts during the tough economic climate, Steyning’s Dingemans Centre is bridging the gap with affordable exercise and IT classes for the over 55’s.

Like many health and wellbeing centres, Dingemans greeted the New Year with an extended programme of classes and special offers to attract newcomers keen to make a healthy start to 2011. But unlike many gyms and sports centres - who have seen memberships decline by up to a quarter - Dingemans is bucking the trend with attendance increasing on a weekly basis.

“We’ve been running yoga and T’ai Chi very for some time, but we’ve now introduced yogalates and gentle exercise classes which are just as popular,” says Dingemans’ Centre Manager, Donna Bailey. “Our classes are very affordable and are run on a drop-in basis so visitors don’t have to sign up for an extended period of time or commit themselves to an expensive gym membership. It’s ideal for those wanting to keep fit and well during hard times.”

Dingemans’ ‘pay-as-you-go’ laptop training classes are also proving a great success, especially with beginners wishing to pick up the basic knowledge and confidence to get on-line at home - or ask questions about a specific area of computer use.

“As well as cost, convenience and location are definitely key factors in attracting members to Dingemans”, explains Mike Ashbee, Service Manager for Impact Initiatives, the Brighton-based charity which runs the centre. “But the reason people stay is probably due to the fact that they can take classes at their own pace and there’s no pressure to keep up with younger class mates or a specific course outline. It’s a very relaxed and friendly environment. Those who initially come for an exercise class often find themselves staying on for the centre’s home-cooked lunch, or booking a place on one of the regular trips to local attractions.”

With the success of the exercise and IT classes, Dingemans is looking to expand it’s programme further. “We’re always eager to meet the on-going needs of our members”, says Donna. “We run regular members’ meetings and invite people to request specific activities or days out. That way we are able to keep in touch with members needs and aim to meet them at an affordable cost.”

Dingemans Centre is open every Tuesday, 9.30am - 3.30pm at Dingemans Court, Shooting Field, Steyning.

Exercise classes start from 9.30am and newcomers can claim their first session free of charge.

For full details and class times please call Donna on: 01903 879297 or email:
dingemans@impact-initiatives.org.uk

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