Blackpool’s Mayor has called on the town’s older residents to join her and beat the winter blues.



Cllr Kath Rowson is leading a campaign for more people to sign up for a Feel Good Factory membership in order to help them become more active and make new friends.

The low intensity sessions at the Feel Good Factory allow older gym members to exercise in a relaxed setting, where power assisted equipment allows them to lose weight and improve mobility.

As well as improving your health, the sociable nature of the Feel Good Factory allows visitors to make friends and share stories while exercising. With winter approaching, the Feel Good Factory offers an alternative for people than staying at home on their own.

Mayor, Cllr Rowson is the latest to join up to the Feel Good Factory along with her Mayoress Joan Goldin.

Cllr Rowson, who is 68, suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, asthma and emphysema, so has decided to join up to the Feel Good Factory in an attempt to boost her health and is encouraging more residents to do the same.

Cllr Rowson said: “I can’t do normal exercise anymore. Fatigue is a bad symptom of my disease and that brings on my vertigo.

“Hopefully the Feel Good Factory should help me, as I don’t have to overdo it at first but I can build my muscles back up as I get better.

“It is also very relaxed, friendly and I can talk to other people while doing the exercising. All of the other members that I have met have hugely improved their health and hopefully I can too.

“Winter can be a difficult time for many older people, as it is cold outside and the days are shorter. The Feel Good Factory is the perfect way to stop people from staying cooped up inside their homes and to get you outside making new friends and getting healthier.”

Mayoress Joan Goldin has also joined up to help her recover from a recent cancer operation and a hip replacement.

Members of the Feel Good Factory are already seeing benefits from the sessions, with the centre turning around the lives of two Blackpool locals.

Toni Robinson, 75, of Layton was referred to the centre by her GP and has already lost 22 inches in three months.

“My doctor told me to come for the company and the activity,” she said. “I now come five days a week and can feel myself getting thinner and healthier. Not only has it made a difference to my health but it’s also much better than sitting at home watching TV every day!”

Joanne Hurley, 38, from Bispham has also been using the centre to recover from a debilitating illness earlier in the year.

After being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, Joanne’s nervous system and muscles broke down, leaving her in a wheelchair and only able to walk with crutches.

Since joining the Feel Good Factory, Joanne can now walk on her own again, having built her muscles back up from scratch.

“I feel so much better now. The factory has changed my life and what I’m able to do. The exercise machines have allowed me to strengthen my legs and my core, meaning that I can now walk without help.”

Feel Good Factory memberships are available for both Moor Park Leisure Centre and Palatine Leisure, and also include use of the two pools and entry to low intensity exercise classes.

Single memberships are available for £23.50 per month and joint memberships are available for £41 per month.

The centres are open between 7.30am and 7.30pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 3pm at weekends. The centres are predominantly for women, although mixed sessions with men and women take place from 2.30pm on weekdays, plus at weekends.

To find out more, or to become a member, contact 478005 or visit either Moor Park or Palatine sports centres.