Exercise class to help people with heart conditions is set to start... (From Penarth Times)

Exercise class to help people with heart conditions is set to start...

PENARTH Leisure Centre is launching a new fitness class especially for people with heart conditions.

The Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation class begins on September 7 and will be held every Wednesday between 5.30pm and 7pm.

The class, organised in partnership between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the cardiac rehabilitation units at the University Hospital of Wales and Llandough Hospital, will be taught by Ceinwen Jackson.

Ceinwen is an expert in exercise for people recovering from heart problems and will be teaching patients referred to the classes from the two hospitals after completing Phase III of their rehabilitation programme.

Past heart patients may also be eligible to join the classes if they meet certain entry criteria.

The exercise programme is based on group participation but the individual needs and medical histories of each person will be taken into account.

The classes will include various exercises set to music and aim to improve joint mobility, cardio-respiratory fitness, muscle strength, muscle endurance and soft tissue flexibility.

Dena Digweed, who manages the Fitness classes programme at Penarth Leisure Centre, said: "We are delighted to welcome Ceinwen to our team and to offer this opportunity for patients to continue their rehabilitation programme in the community."

Anyone wanting further information should contact Penarth Leisure Centre on 02920 700717 or visit the Vale of Glamorgan Council's website at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Similar classes are also available at Barry Leisure Centre - contact 01446 744770 for further details.