A CHARITY that helps older people living in rural areas is holding a free fitness check-up.

The Whitchurch Functional Fitness MOT is run by Shropshire Rural Communities Charity and is holding a free Fitness MOT in Shrewsbury for people aged 65 to 95.

Anyone who is becoming nervous of falling is encouraged to attend the event.

In the MOT, seven basic tasks are measured against the age group normal range for each activity.

This gives an overview of the participant’s strength, balance, flexibility, endurance and their functional risk of falling.

As well as the one-to-one fitness test, there will be a short film on how to reduce the risk of falls and a chance to make a personal emergency plan.

Attending specific exercise classes is a very good way to maintain strength and balance.

Research has shown that most people think that they do enough exercise to keep healthy but, in fact, many do not. The comparison process acts as a motivator to encourage people to improve their performance, or stay above average for the already-active.

As well as existing tai chi and Otago classes, new Elevate classes will soon start in Whitchurch and Market Drayton.

These classes are designed to develop strength and balance for older people but any exercise is likely to be of benefit to anyone who is not very active.

There will also be a one-off Functional Fitness MOT event on Tuesday, June 4 in the Archibald Worthington Club in Castle Hill, Whitchurch, from 9am until 4.30pm.

Appointments will take about two hours and to book an appointment, please call Jayne on 01948 360 641.