AROUND 10,000 fitness classes have now been provided thanks to a partnership between a care group and a health specialist.

Czajka engaged the services of Sue Birkbeck in 2000, to help encourage its residents to take-up healthy lifestyles.

Managing director, Konrad Czajka, says the initiative has been hugely successful.

It operates at all five of the group's homes, including Currergate in Steeton and Beanlands, Cross Hills.

"Sue visits the homes at least once a week," said Mr Czajka.

"We have always understood the importance of exercise for both physical and mental wellbeing, but it can be incredibly daunting for older people – and those with disabilities – to have the confidence to try a class for the first time.

"That's why we originally decided we should work with just one person, who has the right skills, manner and approach.

"Sue is excellent with our residents, never pushing people into things they can't face but encouraging them to take small steps that they feel comfortable with.

"From small beginnings, she has developed lots of inspirational classes that have become really popular.

"With an inclusive approach, it's fair to say she has enticed even the most sceptical residents into her classes and had a hugely positive impact on the lives of the people we care for."

Sue said a key factor behind the success was the range of variations to exercises she could offer to accommodate individuals.

She added: "Some people may not be able to use their legs, for example. So I demonstrate the full move involving arms and legs but always offer a variation just with the arms, without singling people out. This makes everyone feel comfortable.

"It’s a delight to see so many people coming to my classes week after week and year after year.

"I normally start the classes with a warm-up and stretching routine and do a lot of work on flexibility. My programme is built around strength, balance and co-ordination.

"I make the classes fun with music. I use a variety of resistance bands and balls as part of the sessions and I really enjoy seeing the progress people make.

"Some of my class members are over 90 years old, and some residents are much younger, but with life-changing disabilities. What everyone has in common is a determination to do their best and enjoy themselves."

As well as its work with Sue, the care group also recently helped some of its elderly residents reduce their chances of having accidents, through an innovative new scheme to improve balance.

The Nymbl Balance System is a scheme for measuring, tracking and improving balance.