SWEATING in a gym is not everyone's plan for retirement but for Steeton couple Walter and Doreen Harness, like many other people their age, exercising has become part of their daily routine.

Mr and Mrs Harness have been going to Hanover International leisure centre in Skipton for the past six years after Mr Harness, 83, was involved in a motor accident that damaged his leg.

He was advised to take up some form of exercise to improve his condition.

Now the couple work out in the gym for about an hour, four to five times a week.

"I really feel it when we miss a session," said Mr Harness. "I am more supple than I would be at this age, my leg muscles have improved and I don't get out of breath. I'm generally fitter all round."

The Keiser Institute of Aging has published research that shows frail seniors aged between 72 and 98 showed remarkable improvements as a result of strength training.

In fact, their strength increased by 113 per cent, walking speed by 12 per cent and stair climbing power by 28 per cent.

Cardio-vascular and muscle toning training can also help slow down bone density decline, decrease body fat, prevent and reverse physical frailty, increase insulin sensitivity, improve the quality of sleep, reduce depression, aid digestion and help prevent falls.

The report concluded that diet alone could not bring the improvements to health that came from regular exercise.

Mrs Harness, 66, said that she was a bit nervous joining a gym at first but there was no need.

"The staff are marvellous and sort out a programme to suit you," she explained. "You can change your programme regularly so you don't get bored.

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of years after Walter's accident and took up the gym with him. I felt much better for it and much fitter than I did before!"

"It is a good way to socialise with your partner and a good way to meet other people."

Wayne Exley, assistant manager of the leisure centre, said: "Some people make a day of it, and a lot of people enjoy swimming instead of the gym. We have one lady from Steeton who is 85 and comes swimming three times a week."

At most gyms, people over 60 can enjoy discounts and off-peak rates making the gym an affordable option for those who want to take up exercise.

Fitness room manager and instructor at Sandylands leisure centre, Jill Robinson runs special classes for over 60s and said that 15 per cent of her customers were in that age bracket, her eldest customer being 78.

"People are often referred by their doctors and many are heart patients or suffer joint problems. We work out an appropriate training programme for them."

"A lot of people worry when they join a gym that it will be full of young people dressed in lycra but older people are definitely becoming more involved."