Hearty thanks for exercise kit for West Yorkshire hospital gym

Wharfedale Hospital Cardiac Club has celebrated its 25th anniversary by donating the machines to the facility at Wharfedale Hospital in Otley.

The club, which helps rehabilitate patients recuperating from cardiology problems, has given equipment worth more than £5,600, include a top-of-the-range treadmill, cross-trainer, and rowing machine.

David Farrow, chairman of the Cardiac Club, said: “We’re very pleased we can make this donation to Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

“The physiotherapy gym now offers a greater range of exercises on professional-standard training equipment, which will especially benefit patients from the local community.”

The club facilitates evening exercise classes run by professional tutors in the physiotherapy gym at the hospital.

Zoe Kirk, head of nursing for the hospital, said: “Wharfedale Hospital has been proud to host the Cardiac Club’s evening classes for the past 25 years, and we are delighted to receive this substantial gift.

“The high-quality machines will provide a new and improved means of exercise for patients and club members alike.”

Patients wishing to join the Cardiac Club can do so by visiting www.wharfedalecardiacclub.org.uk or go to one of the evening sessions on Mondays or Thursdays, starting at 6pm and 7.30pm.

Membership is free, although members are asked to make a small donation at each class to help cover costs.

* The Cardiac Club provides rehabilitation session for patients who have had heart attacks or undergone procedures such as surgical bypass or angioplasty.

There are currently around 100 active members, ranging from the age of 40 through to in their 80s.

Exercise classes, run by tutors trained to British Heart Foundation standards, enable members to exercise at their own pace to improve their fitness levels.

A typical class involves around 20 members and lasts for an hour and a half, starting with a warm-up, then circuit-based exercises, workouts on the new machines, a cool down, and floor-based stretches.