New fitness equipment at Belong Macclesfield thanks to Brownies

Residents at community village Belong Macclesfield have become more agile recently with the help of some new fitness machines, bought with the money raised by a rather energetic fundraiser from the Prestbury Brownies.
Earlier in the year, the Prestbury Brownies challenged residents and staff at the village to a five hour marathon to raise money to help fund improvements to the village’s increasingly popular exercise studio.
The event raised a staggering £2,065 and paid for two strengthening machines and an exercise bike, designed to improve older people’s fitness and mobility.
The strengthening machines have helped residents and the local community improve their balance, making them more confident to keep active. Strengthening the arm and leg muscles has given older people more independence as the exercises have given them strength to carry out daily activities, such as picking up objects, standing and sitting.
Barbara Tait, fitness instructor at Belong Macclesfield, said: “The residents have taken to the equipment really well and it is fantastic to see more older people getting involved in exercise. We are delighted with the new equipment as it allows residents to strengthen their muscles without risk of strain or injury. Residents and staff would like to say a huge thank you to the Prestbury Brownies for all their help fundraising.”
Gentle exercise for older people is widely recognised for its heath benefits, and is particularly good at easing aches and pains. The new equipment at the village allows older people to build strength in muscles without putting unnecessary strain on the joints, allowing them to lead a more fulfilling day.