Why choose exercise classes

At OCLL they want you to take exercise personally.

The wide variety of classes lets you pick the best way FOR YOU to increase your personal fitness level.

Whether it's Pilates, Tai Chi, Aerobics, Fitness Ball, Chair based classes or Aqua Fit, there's an option that fits your style, your interest and your ability.

Exercise and fitness instructors have different teaching styles, and some classes combine various fitness regimes.

Men and women are welcome at all classes. It would be best to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

By exercising in a class setting is fun! The social interaction gives you that extra motivational push to keep going. If you get bored exercising alone, group synergy can help keep boredom at bay.

It is well known that exercise is good for your health. But what may not be realised that even small amounts of exercise - like an hour or two a week in an aerobics class can produce health-related benefits.

Before starting exercise classes, think about your exercise goals. Are you most interested in weight management, overall fitness, improved endurance, muscle toning, improved posture, general well-being or relieving stress?

You should choose your fitness class based on your goals. Since different types of classes can help achieve different ends, talk to one of the OCL staff to find out what would work best for your needs.

OCL offer a large number of fitness classes throughout its centres, the activity programme is varied, classes include: Tai Chi, Pilates, Fit Ball, Aerobics, Body Tone, Boxercise, Spinning, Line Dancing, Social Dancing, Health Walks, Circuit Training the list is endless.

OCL also offer specialised classes such as: Big Fun - For people who feel they are over weight and struggle to access our main core activity programme. (Sunday evening Failsworth Sports Centre) Sit and Get Fit - A programme designed to be completed sat down.

This class is suitable for people with disabilities with limited movement. For further details contact: Jackie Hanley on 0161 621 3354 Active Women's Group - Womens only sessions - includes Gym, Class and Swim Ð Classes take place at Failsworth, Chadderton (No swim) and Oldham Sports Centres.

Joining a fitness class can be a great way to improve your health. Some of the benefits are:

Helps with weight loss or management. Increases your stamina and reduces fatigue.

Conditions your heart and lungs by increasing the amount of oxygen that is available and by helping your heart use oxygen more efficiently.

Helps manage your stress level.

Increase your mobility.

Reduces your risk of developing hypertension and stroke.

* Improves your blood fats, increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Reduces your risk of developing certain forms of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

Hints to get started:

1) Plan what exercise would best suit your needs.

2) Write down what activity you plan to do, on what day of the week, for how long, and what time of day. Be specific and realistic as possible.

3) Contact your local centre to help find most suitable class.

4) Have fun, pick and mix and try different classes until you find the classes which suit your needs and fulfil your goals.

5) Attend the class regular and fit it into your weekly routine.

For further advice and help contact Oldham Community Leisure on:

Chadderton Sports Centre 0161 621 3290

Crompton Pool 0161 621 3260

Failsworth Sports Centre 0161 621 3240

Glodwick Pool 0161 621 3280

Oldham Sports Centre 0161 621 3220

Royton Sports Centre 0161 621 3250

Saddleworth Pool 0161 621 3270