Regular exercise has important benefits in older age for both physical and mental health, as well as creating opportunities to improve social wellbeing. For more information on the advantages, please take a look at our Age Space Guide to Keeping Healthy in Old Age.
As a county, Surrey is very well-served by exercise classes that have been specifically designed for the elderly. There is sure to be a group to suit your elderly relative, regardless of their interests or ability.
Exercise classes are also a great way to meet new people and socialise, thereby combating loneliness. If you are looking for other ways for your relative to avoid feeling isolated, you may also be interested in Befriending Services in Surrey.
Move It or Lose It! Exercise Classes in Surrey
Move It or Lose It! classes are designed by experts to improve flexibility, aerobic health, balance and strength in older age. These specialised sessions can be carried out seated or standing, depending on ability, and have been proven to result in weight loss, which comes with a wealth of health benefits.
There are Move It or Lose It! classes across Surrey in Ashtead, Bagshot, Banstead, Chobham, Dorking, Effingham, Epsom, Great Bookham, Guildford, Leatherhead, Surbiton, West Molesey, Woking and Worplesdon. You can find full information and contact details for all of these classes by visiting the Move It or Lose It website. Type in your postcode to see the ones most local to you.
Surrey Otago Strength and Balance Classes
Otago strength and balance classes aim to help people develop strength, balance and confidence by keeping active. There are online options available, as well as relaxed and social in-person classes in Surrey that can help to regain confidence and maintain independence.
You can find a full timetable of Otago Strength & Balance classes in Surrey through the link below, with locations in Addlestone, Ashtead, Camberley, Caterham, Chertsey, Epsom, Ewell, Guildford, Leatherhead, Redhill and Reigate.
Please note that the listed classes can be subject to change, so they recommend calling the telephone number provided for the class to make sure it is running as normal.
Age UK Surrey GO50 Walking Group
GO50 Walking Group is an exercise group organised by Age UK Surrey. The group provides the opportunity to keep fit, meet new people and enjoy the Surrey countryside. A number of walks are planned throughout the year, ranging in length from approximately 3.5 miles to 8.5 miles and can be chosen according to fitness level.
You can see the current calendar of walks here.
It is free to join the walking group, however a donation of £2 is suggested to help maintain the programme. They also provide the following tips for first time walkers:
- Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete a registration form.
- Please wear walking boots or other suitable footwear.
- Bring a drink and a snack.
- Please do not bring any children or dogs.
- Please be aware of your own fitness levels and, if in doubt, consult your doctor before starting a new exercise programme.
For more information on GO50, you can get in touch or visit the website through the details provided below.
- Telephone: 01483 503414
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Senior Yoga Classes - Epsom Yoga
Specialised yoga classes for seniors can produce a whole host of physical and mental benefits. Problems associated with ageing, such as circulatory disorders, arthritis and digestive issues can be alleviated through yoga poses. Breathing exercises can also help increase energy levels and improve mood.
Epsom Yoga runs a Yoga for Seniors session in Surrey, as well as online classes for those who’d rather take things at their own pace. You can get in touch or visit the website using the details provided below for further details.
- Telephone: 07533 102 292
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Senior Leisure Centre Memberships in Surrey
Being a member of a local leisure centre means access to all their facilities for keeping fit. Attending a centre regularly provides the opportunity to meet new people, take part in classes and have something to look forward to each week.
The following leisure centres all have swimming pools and run aqua aerobic classes. Aqua aerobics are an exercise which is particularly suitable to older people. This is because water is much denser than air, so works moving muscles harder but is easier on the joints.
Better Leisure Centres
Better leisure centres are a chain of gyms across the UK. They offer discounted senior membership for those over 66, which includes access to the local swimming pool and specialised aqua aerobic classes for older people. There are four Better leisure centres in Surrey:
Freedom Leisure Centres
Freedom Leisure centres are a chain of Leisure centres across the UK. In Surrey, there are facilities in five towns, each with a pool. Membership and activity schedules are dependent upon the individual leisure centre. You can find websites with contact details below.
Freedom Leisure centre offers unlimited swimming for over 75s. There is a small set up fee of £20, but this will give access to unlimited swimming for 12 months. To start swimming, complete the following form and give it into reception at your nearest leisure centre.
Exercise Classes for People Affected by a Stroke in Surrey
Exercise can play a crucial part in recovery from a stroke. It has been proven to increase confidence and decrease the chance of a stroke happening again. Across Surrey, there are dedicated exercise groups in place especially for those who have had a stroke. Please take a look at our page on Stroke Support Exercise Classes in Surrey for more information.
