Newspaper Article 1965 – Housewives Are ‘Swinging’ in Y.W.C.A. Course

Woman’s World By DIANA

Housewives Are ‘Swinging’ in Y.W.C.A. Course

The “Feel Fit” class at the Y.W.C.A. is a “swinging affair” for the 14 housewives who attend each week.

The course is designed for the 30 to 40 age group, and those taking part enjoy doing rhythmical exercises to music and consider the hourly session makes them feel better and more relaxed.

Mrs Janet Davidson, a former lecturer at the New Zealand School of Physical Education, has arranged a 10-week course of exercises, such as trunk swinging and swinging from the hips, stretching and relaxing the abdominal muscles and neck and leg muscles.

They are exercises that relate to a housewife’s ordinary work and Mrs Davidson hopes that those taking the course will continue with them while bending to weed the garden or standing washing the dishes.

“The purpose of the course is to enable housewives to cope better with the demands of a normal day,” she said.

IN GOOD SHAPE

Those present yesterday were trim mothers of grown-up families whose years of housework seemed to have kept them in pretty good shape.

Chatting over a refreshing cup of tea after the class, the members seem to thoroughly enjoy this opportunity of companionship and getting out of the house.

All members of the class agreed that the chief attraction was the sheer pleasure of organised movement.

“I used to belong to one of these classes when I was younger,” said one, “and this is the first opportunity I have had to take it up again.”

“I feel far more relaxed and will be able to get more fun out of the summer holidays,” was another comment.

“I like to play bowls in the summer and this class will get me in trim for the coming season, said another.

Photo caption – MRS JANET Davidson (right) taking the Y.W.C.A. “Feel Fit” class for housewives yesterday morning. The 10-week course is designed not merely as exercise, but a general toning up and relaxation.