Circulation, balance, strength, fitness, posture and confidence can all be improved by even the most gentle exercise, and a growing number of classes and activities are available.

Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese practice, is a gentle and effective way of managing stress and improving fitness.

Elaine Koster has taught Tai Chi in Buckingham and Winslow for several years, and is planning to start new 'Tai Chi Chill' daytime classes in Buckingham this autumn, which will be ideal for some older people.

She said: "I teach Yang style, which is what we call a 'large frame' style. The movements are very big and elegant, but also means the joints are moving in a wide spectrum, so it's a gentle, relaxing activity to help mobility and flexibility."

She said all her classes included an element of balance work, which can be done leaning against a wall, and is particularly useful in boosting confidence.

Most council-owned leisure centres, including those in Buckingham, Brackley, Towcester and Bicester, offer a variety of classes and activities especially for the over-50s.
Towcester Centre for Leisure, for example, offers 'aqua fit' sessions in the pool and 'healthy hearts' in the exercise studio.
It also offers tailored versions of mainstream classes such as 'body pump' - a strength-building and muscle-toning class.

Those who prefer the outdoors to a gym or exercise class can take advantage of guided group 'health walks' supported by district councils throughout the Advertiser and Review area.

The health walks, part of a national campaign arranged by Natural England and the British Heart Foundation, are specially designed for people who are unused to regular exercise.

Contact local council offices or visit www.whi.org.uk for details of health walks.

Contact Elaine Koster on 07906 243576 or email elaine@taichiforall.co.uk for details.

• Anyone planning to make diet or fitness changes should seek advice from a medical expert first.