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November 9, 2008
The only time you're ever really active is when you're leaping to your feet, raising your arms in the air and yelling “Bingo!” when you win. The point is, when you think of playing bingo you don't generally associate it with getting a workouts.
But evidently somebody down at Mecca Bingo, in Moor Lane, Bolton, has been thinking about how much sitting down their regular players do, because in a recent evening session all of the people present were put through an exercise routine, the aim apparently being to stimulate players bodies as well as their minds.
The Mecca general manager, Dave Barker, said: “We’ve always known playing bingo keeps minds active and now we can help to keep our players’ bodies active too.”
This was the scene on Wednesday night. Will Clarke, the Memberships Manager, took to the stage during the evening's proceedings and asked for everyone's attention. After a brief explanation, he led the assembled players through a short workout session before the bingo playing recommenced.
It was pretty spur of the moment, and nothing terribly strenuous. The players, mostly women, were asked to use their handbags as gym weights while Clarke led them through several exercises. They stretched, and raised the weights above their heads, and then to each side, all from the comfort of their seats.
Surprisingly, it went down a storm. Clarke said afterwards, “I think people were a bit nervous at first but then actually really enjoyed it.
In fact, the experiment was so successful that the management at Mecca Bingo are considering incorporating the improvised exercise routine into their regular schedule for the evening's entertainment. Many of their players are elderly and play at Mecca Bingo at least twice a week, so the workout will ensure they get some health benefits to go along with the fun they're having.
Feedback from those present on the night has been unanimously positive. 67 year old Rhona Raines, a regular at Mecca Bingo, is reported to have said, “You can get rid of your bingo wings while you play bingo, I think it’s a great idea.”
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