HEART patients are taking advantage of an expanded exercise programme at the Sports Centre that aims to get them back on their feet and boost their cardiovascular health.

The centre, in Festival Place, Basingstoke, has been running its cardiac rehab programme for about eight years, but has now added to its exercise classes and moved into the main gym.

People involved in the classes will have access to a wider range of equipment with more benefits for the heart, such as treadmills and cross-training machines. A new rowing machine was also donated by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons in September.

Emma Cameron, cardiac rehab co-ordinator, said: "We have much more use of cardiovascular equipment now, which is really working everybody's hearts.

"Even with 18 people in a class, everyone can get a piece of equipment at the same time."

Two new classes have also been introduced to the programme, which includes advanced circuit training, aqua aerobics and classes for those with limited mobility.

People with a variety of heart conditions are signed up to the programme and ages range from 27 to 85.

Mrs Cameron said the class was important in boosting heart patients' self-confidence and raising their spirits, as much as it is about exercising their heart.

She said: "Their confidence levels increase tenfold during the programme and it becomes quite a social club as well."

For more information on the programme, call Emma Cameron on 01256 302210.

First published: Thursday, November 17, 2005