Be Well Wigan Council has introduced a new evidence-based, healthy ageing programme that aligns with national and international guidelines. 

Developed by clinical exercise physiologist, Dr. Ashley Gluchowski, Stronger with Age, is a small group, supervised, twice per week programme, which focuses on building significant levels of full-body muscle strength and strength training self-efficacy for long-term strength training adherence.  

The programme was designed during Gluchowski’s PhD research with older adults from Auckland, New Zealand and has been refined with service users, exercise instructors and decision makers in Greater Manchester. 

It was launched in September and while Stronger with Age is for all ages, genders and abilities, the first cohort was made up of women who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

The programme was offered as part of a membership, or as a standalone £80, with concessionary rates available. 

“During the research phase of development, Stronger with Age had a 94 per cent adherence rate and during our pilot work in Wigan, we have had a 100 per cent completion rate,” says Gluchowski. “The programme has been extended due to its overwhelmingly positive feedback, continued advocacy from current participants and the number of women currently on the waiting list.” 

Gluchowski says that one of the main challenges of launching the programme was the misconception of what strength training is. “Many women believe it will bulk them up. However, during the programme, participants quickly realise that strength training actually gives them the body composition they were hoping for – a strong, lean, defined, toned look,” she says. 

“Most importantly, it gives participants incredible confidence, mental resilience, emotional wellbeing, and social connection to a group of like-minded individuals on the same journey.”

Councillor Danny Fletcher, Wigan Council’s lead member for public health and leisure, said: “Whether it’s at our leisure centres or in the community, Be Well is all about supporting our residents to be healthy, happy and active at all stages of life.

"We’re always looking for new, innovative ways to improve what we offer our residents – investing in new facilities and new activities – and that’s why we were so pleased to link with Dr Ashley Gluchowski to develop Stronger With Age, to provide that extra support and guidance for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause.

“Our pilot scheme was a real success and I know all the women who took part got a lot out of the classes – from building their strength, fitness and confidence to connecting with other women like them. We’re really excited to be expanding the programme in the New Year so more women can feel the benefits.”