More local people, including those with long Covid, are to be encouraged to improve their heart health.

The Bournemouth Heart Club (BHC), located at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, is widening its membership to any adults at higher risk of heart disease and other health conditions including diabetes and stroke.

All instructors at BHC have the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Level 4 accreditation and there is lifesaving equipment located in the gym should it ever be needed, giving BHC members the reassurance that they can exercise safely.

Before the Covid pandemic, membership was solely available to those undergoing rehabilitation following cardiac events or procedures, or patients who were referred by their GP because they were at risk of heart disease and other health conditions. Now the Heart Club is offering adults of all ages the ability to self-refer through the Keep Well Hub.

Any new member will have an initial assessment and be given a personalised programme of exercise over an initial 10-week period, as long as they exercise twice a week. This could include classes, open gym sessions, group or circuit classes, and seated and assisted classes for those that need them. Members can also bring a friend or partner to support them

Mary Slade from West Moors, who recently joined the Keep Well prevention scheme, said: “I looked in the mirror on my 70th birthday and told myself that if I wanted to reach my 90th, I needed to lose weight but wanted to be safe while I was exercising. I now have my own bespoke exercise programme and work out three times a week.”

Sam Panton, exercise duty manager, said: “The Heart Club has been on a mission to save hearts since its launch over 25 years ago, but there are other health conditions, which follow the same disease process and have the same risk factors as cardiovascular disease, and this is why we want to widen our membership and encourage others to join.”

To find out more about the new self–referral Keep Well Hub, please call the Bournemouth Heart Club on 0300 019 4522 or visit www.bournemouth-heart-club.org.uk

Bournemouth Heart Club has two purpose built, fully equipped gyms, a members’ lounge and tea bar, and its own car park. The Bournemouth Heart Club is one of only a few such places in the UK.