Whangarei Fifties Forward Club is a group that looks to help people keep physically and mentally active to the best of their ability as they age. As well as land and water-based exercise classes, they arrange lunches, bus trips and a car rally.

Currently, exercise classes are held at Whangarei Aquatic Centre, starting with the land class at 10.00am followed by the aqua class at 11.00am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These two classes cover strength, balance, and aerobics qualities.

The classes have ACC Accredited instructors.  Merren and Sharyn provide clear, safe, and fun routines which offer different levels of moderation. ACC accredited instructors are required to meet nine specific strength and balance criteria which means that if you take their classes regularly (at least twice a week), you are less likely to have a fall in your mature years. Both classes are designed to work all areas of the body.

The land base class provides seated and standing options and includes exercises for strength, balance, and aerobics. Some are fun, brainteasing activities which result in lots of laughter.

The pool-based class has a mixture of shallow and deepwater aerobics. Noodles and aquatic dumbbells are used for some exercises. In both classes you are able to work at your own speed and ability. All this results in achievable, enjoyable movement with the added bonus of meeting new friends and catching up with old friends. Some members meet in the café at the Aquatic Centre for coffee or lunch after classes.

The Club was founded in 1989 and is based at the Whangarei Aquatic Centre. They have about 100 members, some of whom are founding members. Ages range from fifties to eighties with most members being in their sixties and seventies, all looking to stay active and involved as they age.

For more information and/or to get support on your wellbeing journey, reach out to us at Sport Northland on ph 0800 ACTIVE – we are here to help.