Rhayader WI set to Get up and Go

Members of Rhayader Women’s Institute in Powys have dusted off their trainers to reap the benefits of a £750 Community Chest grant.

The ladies sprang into action when WI organisers became concerned by members’ lack of physical activity. In an effort to improve their general health, a series of gentle circuit training classes was introduced into the weekly meetings.

The classes, designed by a qualified instructor, are built around the needs and abilities of members. In a group where physical mobility varies sharply, it was vital to incorporate a flexible regime that would challenge everyone but exclude no one.

Spurred on by their first initiative, the group now plans to go a little further, setting up a fortnightly walking group to enjoy the local countryside. Some of the grant will help them hire a minibus, so they can vary the starting and finishing points of their outings.

The group is finding that the new activities have a strong social aspect, which is helping to build friendships between members while delivering lasting benefits to their health.