Keeping fit after 50 has never been easier with a new sliding scale of prices at the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough’s fitness centres meaning the more years a person keeps exercising the less they pay.
SMILE – So Much Improvement with a Little Exercise, the Windsor and Maidenhead borough’s highly popular exercise and activity club for over-50s – starts off at £27 a month for those who have recently passed the half century mark and decreases in price for each subsequent decade. For anyone reaching the grand old age of 90, club membership is absolutely free.
The idea of free membership evolved as a way of rewarding stalwart members of the Windsor and Maidenhead 10-year-old club as they advanced in years. Previously the standard fee was £27 a month, whatever their age.
The move supports the national Change4Life initiative which encourages people of all ages to ‘Eat well, move more, live longer’.
Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "We have keep fit fans of all ages in the Royal Borough and I am delighted to be able to offer our older members this excellent deal.
"SMILE exercises are graded according to age and ability and are also good fun and sociable. Hopefully these improved prices will be the incentive for many more residents to get active."
Kevin Johnson, Windsor and Maidenhead lifestyle referral co-ordinator and clinical exercise specialist, said: "Our aim is to encourage residents to increase their activity levels and give them an opportunity to meet other people. The social side of our group is amazing, with everyone given a warm, genuine welcome – we had 400 at our Christmas party."
The new monthly fees for Windsor and Maidenhead SMILE membership are:
• 50 to 59 years old – £27
• 60 to 69 years – £23
• 70 to 79 years – £20
• 80 to 89 years – £10
• 90 years and up – free.
A partners membership is also available. All memberships are off-peak.
There are SMILE clubs at leisure centres and other venues throughout the borough. To join, visit or call the Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, on 01628 685330, or Windsor Leisure Centre, Clewer Mead, Stovell Road, Windsor, on 01753 778566.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
