Neighbours take to the street for weekly fitness sessions

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, a group of neighbours have been keeping spirits high by holding weekly outdoor fitness sessions in their cul-de-sac.

Residents living on Cae Llwyd, Caerphilly town, started the socially-distanced aerobic classes in the spring, during the first lockdown.

Months later, the ‘Street Chicks’ are still going strong, with around ten women taking part at 9.30am every Friday.

The youngest member of the ‘Street Chicks’ is 61-years-old, with the oldest members in their 80s.

Resident Mary Davies, who helped start the sessions, said the idea was first touted when the neighbours were taking part in the weekly clap for the NHS.

Since then, the ‘Street Chicks’ have been doing their exercise nearly every week, weather permitting.

Ms Davies said: “We’re a range of ladies in similar circumstances. Time out with the ladies gives us all a lift.

“We have a laugh and it’s the highlight of the week. It keeps us active and it keeps us fit.

“We’ve kept it going and will be carrying on throughout the winter months.”

Resident Tina Evans, who used to work as a fitness instructor, decides the fitness routines each week and plays music from her car to accompany the exercises.

Ms Evans said: “It’s been brilliant. It’s a way of keeping in touch and raising morale.

“We’ve tried to make the exercises as challenging as possible.

“It started off with about four or five of us but now there’s normally around nine or ten. It’s been absolutely brilliant and we’ve kept each other going.

“Everyone works to their own ability. We start with stretches and then work it up. It gets most of us out of breath.

“One of the girls then does yoga and pilates at the end of the sessions.”

Ms Evans added: “Without a doubt, it’s brought people together. Before, we were neighbours, but now we’re friends.

“We’ve even set up a WhatsApp group. It’s done wonders for us.”