The last few places for a free exercise programme are still available; local residents are encouraged to secure their place now.
The programme, is called CHAIN (Cycling Against Hip Pain), and based around a concept, that regular cycling activity and movement, could assist people living with hip pain, stiffness and osteoarthritis. This could also lower pain and, in the longer term, reduce the need for surgical intervention.
The programme begins in January at the Littledown Centre, Bournemouth and local residents, with hip pain caused by arthritis, are encouraged to contact the centre on 01202 436880 to secure their place.
95 people already taken part on the CHAIN programme and participants have reported benefits including a reduction in pain and need to take analgesics, being able to walk further; finding daily activities easier, less disturbed sleep, and feeling fitter and stronger.
A 71 years old participant who successfully completed the programme said: “The programme made me realise that exercise was the best way to improve my pain and the use of my leg. It has made such a difference to me. I can now turn over in bed at night without having pain. I am determined to keep up with the exercise. Sometimes I don’t want to go out and walk the dogs, but once I am halfway through my walk I realise I am walking more easily.
I think it is important you stick with the programme and the exercise. It is tough for the first couple of sessions, but you need to see it through to get the benefits, and to acquire the knowledge and advice that will help. It is also really positive that it is done in a local leisure centre. I never realised how much support was on offer at these places, and the enthusiasm for exercise at the centre was really infectious”.
Tom Wainwright, Clinical Researcher in Orthopeadic at The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust concludes,
“The results of the CHAIN programme continue to be excellent. Over the past year, participants completing the course have found reduced pain, increased muscle strength, increased activity levels and weight loss. Feedback has been excellent with 100% reporting that they would recommend the course to others. The last course in this funded programme starts in January and I encourage anyone who is living with hip pain as a result of arthritis to give it a go”.
Participants must be aged between 45 and 75 years old and registered with a GP in Bournemouth or Christchurch. They will need to commit to a weekly one-hour group session, which consists of a 30-minute learning session, and a 30-minute indoor cycling exercise class at the Littledown Centre for six weeks.
To find out more or speak with a member of the exercise referral team telephone 01202 436880.
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Notes to the editor
About BH Live
BH Live is the South Coast’s leading operator of leisure and event venues – a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives. With over 2.5 million visits a year and over £31 million turnover, the organisation is changing lives – placing it at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. In 2013/14, BH Live hosted 423 shows, sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment tickets, clocked up 1.8 million leisure centre visits and welcomed 88,000 conference and exhibition delegates which contributed over £45 million to the local economy.
For further press information:
Elizabeth Symmons
PR & Corporate Communications Executive, BH Live
Elizabeth.Symmons@bhlive.co.uk
01202 451866