People living with Parkinson’s across Norfolk and East Anglia are being invited to try a walking tennis group which is helping more people to get active in a fun and social way.
Organised by Loddon Tennis Club, with support from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the walking tennis classes take place every Thursday at Loddon Tennis Club, George Lane Playing Field, George Lane, Loddon, Norfolk, NR14 6NB.
No previous experience of playing tennis is required and all ages and abilities are welcome to take part. Equipment is provided by Loddon Tennis Club and the session is overseen by an LTA-trained coach, who can accommodate individual needs and abilities. Comfortable footwear and active clothing are recommended.
People living with Parkinson’s are welcome to come and watch the session, along with their loved ones, before deciding if they would like to take part.
Richard Balfour, Chairperson at Loddon Tennis Club, said:“We are delighted to announce that Loddon Tennis Club is now running a successful and well-established Parkinson’s tennis programme throughout the year. The session builds on the success of the recent Tennis Able campaign and we have developed a fantastic Parkinson’s programme that we are now keen to expand.”
“Our sessions aim to be fun, active, and mentally stimulating, while also recognising the social importance of coming together. We treat each participant as an individual, although we understand that there will be many shared experiences.”
“The sessions are held every Thursday at Loddon’s Jubilee Indoor Hall and are led by Ross Wilson, a Level 3 Accredited Tennis Coach. We are also incredibly fortunate to have Jenny, an experienced and highly qualified physiotherapist, who will attend as many sessions as possible to provide support and guidance whenever needed.”
“As a club and committee, we are grateful to have the full support of Norfolk LTA and Parkinson’s UK. Their experience and knowledge have been invaluable in helping us continually develop and improve our tennis programme and we look forward to welcoming new players.”
How walking tennis can help people with Parkinson’s
Walking tennis is played at a slower pace when compared to traditional tennis, and running or jumping is not allowed. Participants can also let the ball bounce twice to give them more time to react and take longer to make decisions. Walking tennis still promotes movement, but there is a greater focus on coordination, balance and cognitive functions, which can often be impacted by Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.
Walking tennis can help to reduce the risk of falls and freezing for people with Parkinson’s and the sport can also be beneficial for muscle strength and cardiovascular health. The sport is also designed to be a fun and social way for people with Parkinson’s to get active.
For more information about joining a walking tennis session, contact Ross Wilson on rossewilson@btinternet.com or call 07952 596 621.
