Pictured above: (l-r) Les Haynes, Derek Burgin and Tom Manders are regular users of the gym facilities at HomeZone Living's Beacon Park Retirement Village in Lichfield, Staffordshire

Body-hugging lycra and bulging biceps are not strictly necessary at a Staffordshire gym which caters specifically for people aged 55 and over who want to stay fit and active.

Now gym bosses have appealed for elderly patients throughout the area to ask their GP to refer them to the facility. They say using the gym will enhance a patient's recovery from illness or surgery and get them back on the road to fitness.

The gym at HomeZone Living's Beacon Park Retirement Village, Lichfield, boasts a wide range of fitness equipment, a steam room and spa bath to help residents and approved visitors maintain a healthy level of exercise. The spa bath has a hoist so that people with restricted mobility can use it safely.

Gym manager Ben Bate provides support and guidance to develop a suitable exercise routine whether users simply want to lose weight or need to rehabilitate following illness or surgery. 

The gym is just one of the many activities offered to residents at the retirement village in Lower Sandford Street. Beacon Park Retirement Village was unveiled to regional and national acclaim in 2005. A partnership between registered social landlord HomeZone Living, Extra Care and Lichfield District Council developed the top quality facility.

Homezone's Sue Atkins, village services manager at the retirement village, said: "Our gym is very popular with residents. We have a wellbeing advisor who works with the gym manager to promote nutrition, slimming and exercise. We have a slimming group and several residents have lost a lot of weight which has allowed them to have operations such as hip replacements. We can also provide specific exercise programmes to suit their rehabilitation.  

"We also welcome people from the wider community who have been referred to us by their GP. I would appeal to any GPs that may have a patient who would benefit from the exercise and rehabilitation we can provide to please get in touch. Many GPs already recognise the benefits and send their patients to us and we would encourage more to follow their lead.

"Ben Bate, the gym manager, will devise a personalised exercise routine to suit each patient which will support their recovery or help them with weight loss." For more information call Sue Atkins on 01543 261300.

The retirement development is a village of superbly designed, comfortable homes in a close-knit community. The focus is on personal independence and opportunities to enjoy life in a safe, secure community. Inspired by a 'stay active, stay young' philosophy, Beacon Park Village is built around a superb range of facilities that encourages people to embrace new challenges and new achievements regardless of age or ability. Residents enjoy the company of friends and family, knowing that care and support can be tailored to their needs and delivered in their own home. The real success of this partnership has been to create a genuine community where older people of all abilities, both fit and frail, enjoy security, independence and opportunity.

Beacon Park Village has a bright and busy village centre where residents meet friends, neighbours and family. There's a village hall, shop, pub, library and reading room, hair salon, a bar and comfortable restaurant. Residents decide how to fill their day, from working out in the superb fitness suite and gym, being arty in the craft and hobby room, going online in the IT/TV studio, getting growing in the greenhouse or knocking something up in the woodwork room. They can also pamper themselves in the steam room, jacuzzi and spa, take it easy in the peaceful gardens or just relax in the lounge.

HomeZone Living is committed to the provision of affordable housing and support services, serving the communities in and around Lichfield District and surrounding boroughs. Its key role is to develop and manage rented, leasehold and shared ownership homes for customers. It is dedicated to achieving high levels of customer satisfaction through continuous service improvement and by engaging with customers to understand their needs. Established following stock transfer in 1997 and gaining charitable status in April 2006, HomeZone Living is the largest Registered Social Landlord in the district, managing around 4,500 homes, shops and garages. In March 2007, HomeZone Living became a member of Bromford Group.