HOW to exercise without moving from your chair was the topic as older people met at Felixstowe Library to get some ideas on how to “be fit, be happy”.The exercise demonstration at the library in Crescent Road was run by Richard Baldwin, active communities development officer at Suffolk Coastal council, for the over 50s.

HOW to exercise without moving from your chair was the topic as older people met at Felixstowe Library to get some ideas on how to “be fit, be happy”.

The exercise demonstration at the library in Crescent Road was run by Richard Baldwin, active communities development officer at Suffolk Coastal council, for the over 50s.

Mr Baldwin showed those taking part a series of easy chair-based exercises to keep various muscles active and supple and which people could then do all year round in their homes, rather than just taking exercise when the weather is good.

It was stressed everyone needed to do regular exercises but it didn't have to be strenuous like jogging or hiking to have a beneficial effect on the body.

The morning also included a demonstration of head massage and reflexology.

A Felixstowe GP was present to answer health and fitness questions and visitors were able to find out more about Suffolk County Council's new initiative Information on Prescription by looking online and talking to staff.

Displays showed the range of books available about healthy eating, special diets and allergies as well as exercise plans.

Visitors could also talk to representatives from Suffolk Family Carers, Heart Foundation and Age Concern and look at displays about diabetes and falls prevention.

Mr Baldwin also does a fitness session after the library's Top Time session each Tuesday.

Top Time, held in the Room at the Top at 2pm, offers activities aimed at older people and their family carers. As well as being a friendly place to drop in and have a chat, it has a book group, theatre group, does arts and crafts, looks at local history, as well as providing advice and information.

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