If you’re resolved to make fitness your goal in the new year you don’t have to work up a real sweat – just take a deep breath, and sing!

Singing in a group has been shown to offer a range of health benefits linked to the uplifting and engaging experience on offer.

What’s more, a 90 minute session with a Rock Choir group can also burn up more than 200 calories as members not only exercise their lungs, but also spend time on their feet learning dance moves.

Leader Hazel Neighbour, who runs fun weekly sessions in Hitchin town centre, knows first-hand how much singing as part of the choir has helped local members.

She said: “It’s amazing to see how much the members benefit from taking part in Rock Choir.

“I’ve seen confidences grow and friendships develop and it’s awesome to see, especially when they have taken part in a performance!”

Singing in a choir also encourages teamwork and the sense of reaching a shared goal in addition to being a great opportunity to make new friends and expand your social life.

Researchers have also found that the positive feelings can outweigh feelings of stress or anxiety and help to distract people from internal negative thoughts.

Professor Stephen Clift, co-director of the centre which carried out the study, said: “Singing, especially in a group environment such as Rock Choir, encourages deeper, more controlled breathing, giving the lungs an exercise workout.

“It also gives a boost to the immune system, reduces stress levels, improves mental wellbeing, enhances concentration and memory and builds confidence.”

The Hitchin session – one of more than 300 up and down the country with a combined membership of more than 17,000 people – is held every Tuesday evening from 8pm to 9.30pm at Hitchin Boys’ School in Grammar School Walk.

To encourage as many people as possible to get singing and meeting new people, you can claim a free first session – just visit www.rockchoir.com/newyou15 to register.