ALTON Cardiac Rehab has launched a second ‘Heartbeat’ exercise class and it is going down a storm.

Aimed at older ladies to provide an alternative to or to supplement the gym, the class takes the form of gentle but sustained exercise to music - a cross between zumba and dance with enough movement and change of steps to challenge body and the mind.

It is designed to exercise every part of the body, while mindful of health and mobility restrictions, with participants encouraged to do as much as they feel able while having fun.

Led by Rehab health programme assistant Paula Haidon, the first Heartbeat class on Tuesday was such a hit that the decision was taken to launch a second class on a Thursday, to encourage more people to take part.

Alton Cardiac Rehab chief executive Nikki Radcliffe said that having realised that only 25 per cent of attendees at the exercise sessions at Cardiac Rehab were female, it was decided to focus on a class particularly for ladies in a bid to redress the balance.

To attend a Heartbeat class, you do not have to be referred through the Staywell programme, although you will be required to fill in a health questionnaire.

While the Tuesday class is generally full, the new Heartbeat sessions take place on Thursdays at 4.15pm at the Cardiac Rehab Centre, which is located behind Alton Sports Centre on Chawton Park Road.

Classes cost £4.60 per session.

For more details or to book, call Cardiac Rehab on 01420 544794.