For trained exercise tutor Val Forsyth, getting people moving at the Hornsey Vale Community Centre’s monthly Lunch Club has been an uplifting experience.
Hornsey Vale’s monthly Lunch Club allows local residents to mingle and enjoy a sit-down two-course meal prepared by a chef. Lunch is usually served 1-2 pm followed by tea/coffee and is open to all, for a £5 charge. Christmas sees a special festive meal and is a highlight of the Lunch Club calendar.
Val, recently retired, volunteers at the Lunch Club leading participants in “gentle seated exercise” and movement which attendees can do at their own pace.
Residents are welcome to come along at 12.30—before lunch—to try it out, meet new friends, relax and have fun.
Val has enjoyed working with groups teaching this form of exercise for over 15 years. She trained in Chair-Based Exercise for the Elderly, a government initiative to help those with health concerns be more mobile and hopefully prevent falls. She explains that this form of exercise helps to maintain flexibility whilst improving circulation and stamina to manage everyday tasks more easily. Val uses this experience, and her love of dance, to run classes for adults.
Val says that she’s received feedback from participants about the positive impact of movement on their overall mood. “They love the social connection and enjoy moving together and just feel so much better at the end of it.” Participants have also told her that they feel less stiff afterwards. “They say, ‘being there makes me forget my troubles and cheers me up. You can even have a little dance at the end if you are able to.”
The next Lunch Club will be 6 September. To book a place, please email info@hornseyvale.org or call / leave a message for Emma on 020 8348 4612, by the Wednesday of the week prior.