A SERIES of courses has been launched to help people over the age of 45 get fit and healthy.

A SERIES of courses has been launched to help people over the age of 45 get fit and healthy.

New aqua confidence courses are due to start in Ipswich at Crown Pools on Mondays and Wednesdays from June 1.

The six week courses are designed to help improve self confidence in water and raise fitness levels.

A fully qualified instructor will lead the course and the courses are aimed at all levels of ability including non-swimmers.

Anyone attending all six sessions will be offered an I-card which will allow free access to all the facilities at Crown Pools for two months.

Lindsay Bennett, the Town & Bridge ActivAge project coordinator said: “This is the time of year when people are starting to think about their summer holidays and maybe taking up some kind of exercise and this is one of the many initiatives we are currently promoting.

“Exercising in water is a great way to work the whole body without putting too much strain on the joints; this makes it an excellent way to get fit, especially for older adults who may suffer various orthopaedic conditions, making it enjoyable and effective without pain or strain.”

The sessions will take place from 10am to 10.30am and cost �10 for the full six week course.

To book your place call Suffolk Sport on 01394 444605. Respite and transport can be provided for family carers attending the course.

Weekly Movement2Music sessions are already underway at the lecture theatre in Ipswich Library.

The programme of one hour sessions is open to men and women every Wednesday, for the next five weeks, from 12noon to 1pm.

Sessions cost �1.50 and promise to help increase energy levels, posture, balance, muscle strength and flexibility.

Town & Bridge Project is also inviting people to All Saints Church in Chevallier Street for a coffee and a chat from 10am to 12noon every Thursday, starting on June 4.

At the first Coffee Morning session there will be a 30 minute chair-based exercise session, with qualified instructor and ActivAge coordinator Lindsay Bennett, who will show people how to exercise safely.

For more information about any of the Town & Bridge Project's sessions, contact Lindsay or Julie on 01473 261112.

n. Do you think these courses are a good idea? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or have your say at www.eveningstar.co.uk