MORE west Cumbrians are now benefitting from exercise classes prescribed by the NHS following the expansion of a popular gym.

Fit4Life has been operating in Maryport for more than a decade, and is now moving into Workington.

A not-for-profit social enterprise, it helps people with long term conditions to get fit and improve their health.

Dougie Pomfret, manager, explained that they have been running regular classes at the Oval Centre gym in Salterbeck for some years.

But outside these times the facility was not really being used, so they have teamed up with Impact to take it over.

This means they can expand the classes they offer and make it more accessible to the wider public.

"Our aim is to help people with chronic conditions, giving them a safe place to go to exercise with the right support.

"It's also great for anyone who wouldn't feel comfortable going to a regular gym or leisure centre," he explained.

"Our focus is on everyday people who want to try and get fit for lifestyle reasons. They don't want to get diabetes or might want to lose a few pounds. We work closely with local physiotherapist and health professionals."

Dougie explained that a lot of members are referred by doctors and health staff, but they are also open to others.

Since taking over the Salterbeck centre a few weeks ago, Fit4Life have been running a number of regular sessions on Tuesday and Thursdays. They are also staffing the gym at other times for those wanting to drop in.

He added: "We have been in Maryport since 2004. We take referrals until 3pm then open it up to the public.

"Everyone gets a full induction. We give them come advice and write them a programme. They can come in and use it after that."

Dougie said that having a bigger presence in Workington means more people can get the support they need.

"A lot of these people are scared to go to a mainstream gym. It's daunting. But these are often the people that need it the most.

"We try to group people together in with others, so we have classes for people with heart disease, who have had strokes, with similar conditions - that way it also becomes a bit of a support group. That works really well.

"Having a base in Workington means we can hopefully pick up a lot more people. The sessions we've got are already quite full so we know there is the demand. The time was right for su to take over."

Among those using the gym regularly is Lillian Baldry, a local resident who also chairs the Salterbeck Residents Association.

She was referred by her physio following a leg injury that had left her with a permanent limp.

"It's really helped me," said Lillian, 67. "I haven't looked back since I started going.

"We're all of a certain age, and we all have a laugh together. There are no leotards or bodybuilders!"

She said it fantastic to see the gym being used more regularly since Fit4life took over.

"The gym had been closed for a while, but they are breathing new life into it. To the whole community centre.

"It's not just about exercise. It's the whole social side of it. That's just as important.

"It's a friendly atmosphere and you do it at your own pace. It's fantastic."

Fit4Life also run exercise of referral sessions at the Senhouse Centre in Whitehaven.

To find out more visit www.fit4lifecumbria.org or call 01900 814782.