A New Year fitness campaign has been launched encouraging over 60s in Sheffield to become more active in 2011.

The 'Fit at 60' healthy lifestyle initiative aims to inspire people across the city to make the most of their later lives.

It has been designed by Fitness Unlimited, which gives people access to gym and swim facilities and classes at four centres operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV).

The scheme includes tailor made fitness options for over 60s at the Fitness Industry's Centre of the Year, Concord Sports Centre, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre and Don Valley Stadium.

People can improve their health at any of Fitness Unlimited's four gyms, five swimming pools, 200 weekly classes, aqua aerobics sessions or running clubs as well as unwind in the sauna and steam rooms.

It comes as the Government has launched its own Active at 60 campaign providing £1m to fund projects that will help older people who are most at risk of loneliness and social isolation.

Almost 800 people over 60 years old currently exercise with Fitness Unlimited, which was recently crowned Local Authority Gym of the Year at the National Fitness Awards 2010.

At the same ceremony, SIV exercise specialist Dave Birds was named 2010 Personal Trainer of the Year. He said: "It's never too late to start leading a healthier lifestyle, but for many people, the prospect of exercising in a gym, particularly those over 60, can be really daunting, which is why we have developed this campaign.

"It is about making people feel comfortable and welcome at our venues whatever their age and creating tailor made fitness options designed to help strengthen the muscles and bones we need to keep us active.

"Physical activity is one of the most effective ways of positively influencing our health. Regular exercise can lower the risk of serious conditions, such as strokes, heart disease and certain cancers. It can add years to our lives, but most importantly, it keeps us happy and helps us maintain our independence."

'Fit at 60' is an inclusive scheme that also caters for the needs of disabled and non-disabled people alike with Hillsborough, Concord and Don Valley all IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative) accredited.

Dave added: "Physical activity is vital for people of any age to add years to their life, and life to their years. No matter how old you are, it is really important to keep active to bring health benefits to everyone. Being physically activity, at the right level, is proven to prevent illness and other health problems as you get older and improve your general wellbeing."

Fitness Unlimited is the city's most popular fitness scheme with more than 15,500 members and has helped to improve the health of more than 100,000 people since launching in 2000.