Cycling sessions welcomed by people with Parkinson's

In Christine Rawson's first session, she was taking breaks every couple of minutes. Six weeks later, she's pedalling through an hour session

Leisure centre staff are looking to train more staff and organise additional classes for their Parkinson's bike therapy sessions.

Crewe Lifestyle Centre's charity Everybody Health & Leisure said cycling on a regular basis can reduce motor symptoms by as much as 35% as well as improving mood and aerobic capacity.

Class members also recommended the group as a useful place for peer support.

A free class and introduction session was organised as part of Parkinson's Awareness Week with the centre looking to expand their programme.

Classes have been running at the centre for the past six weeks and the team are delighted with the progress being made.

Mike Rawling travels from Nantwich to attend classes said he has already noticed a marked improvement in the strength of his legs.

He said: “Before I started this, I could walk about a mile and that was it! Now I'm doing two to three miles."

Parkinson's UK recommend the 153,000 people living with Parkinson's across the country seek 2.5 hours of exercise per week.

For other members, the social aspect of the group is more important.

Mike C described living with Parkinson's as an "isolating" experience.

He added: "You tend to sort of go into your own world - just stay at home. You don't want to go out because you’re shaking."

"But coming to something like this and talking to other people with the same condition, it really does help."

Everybody Health & Leisure encourages any interested new members to get in touch