Residents who have fallen out of love with their aching joints, are being challenged to rethink their relationship with arthritis by taking part in the council’s Joint Effort exercise programme.

Joint Effort is a specialised, one-hour, weekly exercise class in Bromsgrove which is specifically designed to help people living with Arthritis.

The instructor for the course is qualified to work with people living with arthritis and will give advice and education around how to manage pain, as well as options and information about doing the correct type of exercise.

The sessions run each Wednesday at 1pm at Bromsgrove Sport and Leisure Centre and cost just £4 per person per session.

Both the NHS and Versus Arthritis advocate exercise as a way to manage symptoms of joint pain and arthritis.

When asked about how the class helps them, one member said: “The Laughter! It’s a friendly group with no pressure to do any exercise you are not comfortable with, there are a variety of exercises and a happy instructor."

Another participant added: "There are lots of benefits. I feel fitter, stronger and have confidence to push myself more. It’s helped with my mobility in my joints, and I am more flexible. It also lifts my mood."

Portfolio Holder for Health and Well Being, Cllr Shirley Webb, said: “The NHS, Versus Arthritis and several other health organisations recommend using exercise to manage the symptoms of arthritis and joint pain and our wonderful instructor Natasha is here to show our residents how. It might seem counterintuitive, but the glowing reviews of this class prove that it actually works. If you’re struggling with joint pain, why not stop by the session this week and learn to love your joints again?”

The sessions are run from Bromsgrove Sport and Leisure Centre, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AY. This is a community class which means there is no need to book, participants can just turn up and join in. It is recommended that participants who have not done the class before should turn up a few minutes early to complete any paperwork and discuss with the instructor.

If you would like to know more about this class please contact the instructor, Natasha Tandy on 07828 890774 or email natasha.atkinson5@sky.com