ARMCHAIR aerobics and tai chi are among the activities revealed yesterday as part of a programme to make sure leisure is open to all.
Deerness Gymnastics and Leisure Centre has launched the Inclusive Fitness Initiative, which it says is designed to make its facilities accessible to everyone.
Under the programme, a range of fitness equipment has been installed at the Durham City Council-run centre, to give a full body work out, including a treadmill, cable motion dual adjustable pulley, recumbent bike, and hand bike.
The centre has also introduced extra staff training, an inclusive sports development programme and new promotional materials as part of the programme.
An open day to demonstrate the changes takes place today, during which members of the public can have a look around the centre and meet staff.
Councillor Carol Woods,the city council's Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure Services, attended yesterday's launch, at which some of the activities on offer were demonstrated by centre staff.
She said: "The launch of this initiative is a really positive step for the Deerness Centre as we work toward ensuring health and fitness is accessible for everyone within the city.
"The changes being made go beyond introducinga new range of equipment to ensuring that all services are more accessible.
The programme has been funded by Sport England Lottery, which supports non-profit making fitness facilities to become inclusive and cater for the needs of disabled and non-disabled people alike.
The initiative also received funding from the Mildred Brown Trust and Durham City Council.
Deborah Holmes, of Durham City leisure development manager, said; "We're extremely pleased to see the launch of this initiative in one of the city's centres.
"We will be working to continue this inclusive ethos across the rest of the city's leisure centres."
