RESIDENTS across the Dudley borough are being offered a fun way to get ready for the day with a new one-minute exercise routine.

Dudley Public Health's Wake Up, Shake Up challenge features five gentle dance movements, aimed at building strength, balance and exercise. These can be completed sitting down or standing up.

As well as being a good way to include more movement into people’s lives, the routine which is set to an uplifting song has been created to help reduce the risk of falls in later life.

The challenge is part of Dudley Public Health’s Let’s Get Moving campaign which urges people to move for at least 30 minutes throughout each day and provides support and resources to help those who don’t move much to work towards it.

The Wake Up, Shake Up video and instructions can be found on the Let’s Get Healthy Dudley website.

Councillor Ian Bevan, Dudley's cabinet member for public health, said: "This simple dance routine has been designed to help more people to get physically active.

"Moving more can improve your balance, strengthen your bones and muscles, and reduce the risk of falls."

Starting this month, residents over 50 can also enjoy free dance exercise classes to build up strength and balance.

They will be held at:

Primrose Hill Community Church, Netherton, on Tuesday January 10 - 10.15am to 12.15pm

Quarry Bank Community Centre, Quarry Bank, on Wednesday January 11 - 10.15am to 12.15pm

Mary Demott Memorial Hall, Coseley, on Wednesday January 11 - 1pm to 3pm

Wellington Road Community Centre, Dudley (taster session), on Thursday January 12 - 10.15am to 12.15pm

Oakfield Community Centre, Brierley Hill, on Thursday January 12 - 1pm to 3pm

No experience is necessary and classes will include time for a cup of tea and a chat.

To attend, email dudley@dancetohealth.org or call Jodie Stus on 07470 799540.