Keeping Fit
Xerscape - Outdoor Fitness Equipment for the young and the 'young at heart'. Improving fitness levels is becoming more and more important for all of us and Wicksteed has developed a range of exercise equipment to help keep us all active and healthy, whatever our age.
In the quiet area of the park we have the latest of outdoor training equipment. We were the first in the Northwest to install this range of equipment designed by Wickstead to be gentle on the joints while giving a cardio workout to help keep us all healthy and active, whatever our age. Designed in conjunction with researchers from Staffordshire University's Centre for Sport and Exercise, each piece of equipment has been individually analyzed to determine whether it is effective for upper or lower body strength, toning, cardiovascular fitness, etc.
Each Xerscape unit is accompanied by a simple step-by-step guide on how to use the equipment; the sequence in which to use each piece and how many repetitions should be achieved, according to the user's level of fitness. Professor Rachel Davey, Director of the Centre for Sport & Exercise Research, Staffordshire University says, “It’s never too late to start! Exercise provides physical, mental and social benefits as well as keeping older adults mobile and independent. Participating in regular moderate physical activity can help prevent a number of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes and hypertension as well as helping to prevent stroke and vascular dementia.
Staying active also helps boost the immune system and in turn wards off colds and infections. Exercise can help to reverse some of the symptoms of ageing. Cardiovascular and muscle exercise are key to ensuring we are able to remain independent and look after ourselves later in life. Good muscle strength, balance and co-ordination can prevent falls and fractures and weight-bearing exercise can help strengthen joints and bones”. Wicksteed’s Xerscape range is ideal for helping to keep us active and healthy. The equipment is versatile and a combination of different units can provide a ‘whole body’ fitness programme so that cardiovascular, muscular strengthening, flexibility, coordination and balance exercises can all be carried out. As well as benefiting the older generation. For more information, visit www.wicksteed.co.uk