​​Macclesfield Nub News speaks to local resident Laura Mitchell from "Move it or Lose itⓇ" as she celebrates four years of living in our town. She shares her passion for helping people age better through her enjoyable, low pressure fitness classes in Upton Priory. Held each Friday at only £5 a time, perhaps you or an older friend or relative might reap the benefits? Read on to learn "The Cuppa Routine" and how we can all benefit from moving more.​  

It will come as no surprise that our life expectancy has improved but did you know that the average person in the UK spends the last 18 years in ill health? This sobering statistic has far reaching costs to the NHS but perhaps more importantly to our personal independence and quality of life. 

What if there were something we could do that costs less time than it takes for the kettle to boil and might keep us dancing around our kitchens for years to come? Anyone over the age of 40 should ideally be doing some regular strength training to avoid sarcopenia - age related loss of muscle mass.  

The Cuppa Routine is a series of four exercises - heel raises, arm raises, sit to stand and side leg raises - that can be done in the two minutes it takes to make a brew. Repeated a few times a day this can strengthen and build muscle, helping ward off illness and keeping us doing the things we enjoy. The full routine can be found below, and other videos on her YouTube page.

Laura describes her classes as "Exercise in Disguise" and at its most simple "We just move to music". She shudders at the thought of being described as a fitness freak or gym bunny but is passionate about people ageing better, something that was inspired by looking after her grandparents. 

"They all lived to a ripe old age. None of them were fitness freaks but they walked their dogs daily, were very active around the house and weren't really the kind of people who just sat in a chair." 

​​Having started with a career in children's television, she had to reassess her priorities when her two sons came along. "I knew I wanted to work with older people, it had to fit the school day and I couldn't be working weekends." After a bit of research she came across Move it Lose ItⓇ and underwent the online and in-person training to become an instructor.​ 

Described as a social enterprise and "business with a massive heart", she enthuses about the training, ongoing education and support she receives from the company. Developed in partnership with the Centre for Healthy Ageing Research at the University of Birmingham, it combines Flexibility, Aerobic, Balance and Strength exercises (FABS) every session. 

Whilst designed to be sociable and fun, the exercises are set to a playlist of music from the 1940s to 1980s and include practical moves designed to keep people safe and independent in their own homes.  

Have you ever been to one of Laura's classes? (Image - Laura Mitchell)

Both men and women are warmly welcome to Laura's sessions and new friendships are often forged, with some clients arranging tea dates and badminton games beyond the classes.   

She will ask you to complete a confidential Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire to make sure you're safe to take part, then you can come along to either the 10am or 11.15am class on a Friday morning. 

 "It's really fun, relaxed and low pressure. You can just watch the first session if you prefer, although most people end up joining in. All moves have adaptations for all levels of ability and mobility, it's really flexible." 

Laura is DBS checked and has training in first aid and CPR, so is a safe pair of hands. 

Click the red link below to follow the group on Facebook. (Image - Laura Mitchell)

Finally, she was asked about her move to Macclesfield from Harrow, London, four years ago. She lights up when talking about the "secret gem" that is our town. "I want to tell everyone about it but also want to keep it quiet just for us!". 

Laura and TV producer husband Ben love being able to see green hills from the town centre, the fact it is often much cooler than stifling London and that the people have been so friendly and welcoming. 

So stick the kettle on, have a little Cha Cha with your cup of char and keep on moving!  

If you or someone you know would like to try a free taster session, just contact Laura via phone (07753 835819), email [email protected].

You can also contact her via her Facebook page.