AN EXERCISE class for women of black and ethnic minorities is going from strength to strength in North Lincolnshire.

The "culturally acceptable" aerobics classes were set up in Crosby to increase the number of women from black and ethnic minority (BEM) groups taking up fitness.

The women-only sessions, held every Thursday at Greesham Hall, Digby Street, give women the confidence to exercise without fear of breaking their religious beliefs. Attitudes to women and girls' bodies differ Gucci Bags in different cultures and religions - some Muslim girls and women practise Islamic law, which prevents them appearing in front of men in inappropriate attire.

Neseem Mehmood, of Apna Sahara - an organisation that works with people in BEM communities to improve access to public services - said the 13-week exercise programme, which is in its fourth week, is proving popular.

She said: "We have 15 members, all from different black and ethnic minority groups.

"It is difficult for them to go to the gym because it depends on whether they are mixed classes or female ones.

"This group is culturally acceptable. Women feel more at ease here.

"There are no other classes like this in the area."

Every Thursday, from 10am to noon, the women spend an hour doing an aerobic and circuit training class with 22-year-old fitness instructor Crystal Birmingham and an hour discussing diets and healthy eating at Apna Sahara in Frodingham Road.

During the class, the women are permitted to swap their traditional dress for tracksuits and trainers.

Gurmit Kaur, 65, hasn't missed a class. She said: "I like it because it's somewhere I can come to keep fit. Not many places in Scunthorpe offer classes like this - it's the best."

Her friend, Pinder Kaur, 55, said: "I'm meeting people and enjoying a bit of exercise."

Paris Hilton Replica

At the healthy eating class, women are taught how to use fewer oils and spices Replica Zenith in their cooking.

Noreen Z Shaikh, community outreach worker at Apna Sahara, said: "After holding a luncheon club for the over-50s BEM community, we found their diet was very different. We teach them ways to use fewer oils and spices to reduce obesity."

For more information on the classes, call Lee Olivant on (01724) 297298 or Apna Sahara on (01724) 330073.

BARRIERS TO EXERCISE ALTHOUGH many people believe different ethnic groups share similar experiences, differences between black and ethnic minority groups are significant.

For example, rates of participation in sport among different ethnic minorities vary.

On average, Black Caribbean (39 per cent), Indian (39 per cent), Pakistani (31 per cent) and Bangladeshi (30 per cent) populations have rates of participation below the national average of 46 per cent.

The gap between men's and women's participation in sport is greater among some minority ethnic groups than it is in the population as a whole.

Other articles:
http://www.hammamturkey.com/Body-Talk-Were-all-holics.html
http://www.lhscf.com/Hotheaded-women-stoked-by-soaring-tempe.html