Story and photo Rohan Francis
Fitness, fun and friendship are all to be found at Shahina Hanif's weekly exercise classes in Firth Park and at the Pakistan Advice and Community Association in Fir Vale.
The classes in Firth Park Pavilion are aimed at helping women of all ages improve their general health through gentle exercise and movement.
Started 6 years ago, the Sheffield Town Trust’s contribution means women only have to pay £1 each to take part in a session. This pays for an experienced instructor, which for the past 3 years, has been Shahina's job.
The Messenger talked to Shahina and some of the members of her Firth Park exercise group. She told us the classes were open to women of all ages and any fitness level.
“The activities can be designed to suit your health and fitness level. There's always a lighter option for beginners. I can teach everything from Aerobics and Chairobics to Zumba."
“Women have seen real health benefits from coming to the sessions. They have helped lower their blood pressure, reduce diabetic problems and relieve aches and pains.”
Group members, Shelagh Waugh and Maggie Hoyles, explained the Friends of Firth Park let them use their community room. They agreed that, “the sessions were very sociable and friendly.” Jackie Stanley said,
“I've come to this class because there's nothing else in Firth Park in the daytime. We follow Shahina because she's such a good teacher. We always feel good afterwards.”
Another class member told us,
“I sit down to do my activities, but it’s still good exercise.”
Finally, Shahina’s mum, Shamim Azam, who started going to classes in 2002, said, “We started getting together at our English Class (ESOL). This started as Chairobics and built up from there.” She added,
“We didn't use to do anything. We used to have aches and pains. Now, I feel so fresh afterwards and my doctor is very happy that I am exercising. I'm also very proud of my daughter.”
For more information about the classes, telephone Shahina on 07909 598 018.