Fitness for Over 50s and Seniors

Discover the latest sport activities for senior adults to keep fit and healthy near you.

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Senior exercise at Better

Keeping active and focusing on your health as you get older can be a challenge. From choosing classes at the right level to staying social through sport, it can be hard to find a way to keep fit that works for you.

That’s why we offer a range of activities and classes tailored for older adults. Whether you’re looking for gym sessions or want to try a new group sport, we have something for all ages and ability levels at our centres across the UK. Our friendly staff and expert instructors are also always on hand to offer support, no matter your experience, helping you stay motivated on your fitness journey.

*This offering may vary depending on location. Find more info at your local centre.

Ready to get started? Browse our activities below to find the right sport for you:

Gym and personal training

With modern facilities and supportive staff, kick off your fitness journey at your local Better gym. We want everyone to be able to exercise in a way that works for them. That’s why we offer senior gym exercise sessions for over 50s and beyond.

We also offer free gym induction sessions to help you get used to the equipment.

And if you’re new to working out in the gym, are recovering from injury or just want a bit of guidance on how to reach your fitness goals, our friendly and professional personal trainers can help you find an exercise routine that fits your lifestyle. From education to motivation, their affordable sessions will effortlessly guide you through the process from start to finish.

Swimming

Swimming is a great way to get your body moving without putting strain on your joints, making it the perfect activity for keeping people of all ages and abilities fit.

Enjoy a casual Swim for All session, get your laps in with a Swim for Fitness session or spend time with loved ones at our Family sessions.

With adult swim classes and 1-to-1 lessons available, you can enjoy spending time in the pool no matter your experience. We also offer Aqua Aerobics classes for those looking for a unique, low-impact workout to add to their fitness regimen.

If the weather’s nice, why not head to one of our lidos, lakes or reservoirs for a spot of outdoor swimming?

Fitness Classes

Whether you want to get your body moving at a social dance session or a Pilates class, we have a range of fitness classes for you to enjoy.

Our Basics fitness classes are ideal for a range of ages and fitness levels, making them a perfect form of exercise for older adults. With low-impact, simpler movements, these classes are an enjoyable way to work on your fitness without pushing yourself too hard.

Plus, group classes give you the chance to socialise and make new friends as you turn up each week.

If you’re looking for a gentle workout, try our mind and body classes. Or get your heart rate up with one of our group cardio classes like Group Cycle.

Senior sports and club games

Whether you fancy a short tennis or badminton match at a more relaxed pace, or want to give a new sport a try, we hold a range of club games to help you get active.

From table tennis to boules to indoor curling, our offer you the chance to get involved in a group sport in a way that works for you. Enjoy both the physical and mental benefits of exercise as you move your body and spend time with new people.

Whether it’s walking football or a health walk, you can find the right senior sport and activity for you.

New to fitness?

If you’re new to regularly working out or are developing a senior exercise routine for the first time, you’ll find plenty of support at your local Better centre. From friendly staff to trained instructors, we’re here to help you every step of the way and make sure you can reach your fitness goals.

When you bring it to Better, this is the kind of support you can expect:

Kind community

By visiting Better, you’ll become of our wonderful community. Feel motivated as you work out with likeminded people with the same goal or catch up at one of our cafés with new friends after a class.

Helpful staff

From centre staff who are on hand to answer all your questions to expert instructors who can teach you how to exercise correctly, we are on hand to encourage and assist you throughout your journey.

Accessible facilities

Whatever your access needs, our centres and gyms have ramps, Poolpods and accessible changing rooms and toilets so everyone can enjoy our facilities. In our gyms, you’ll find up-to-date equipment that our supportive staff will happily show you how to use.

How to get started on your senior fitness journey

You can book most activities online via our website or the Better UK app. You can also book some sessions in person at our centres so feel free to get in touch or ask at reception the next time you visit one of our venues.

To book an activity on our website:

  1. Visit our ‘Book Activity’ page
  2. Find your nearest Better centre
  3. Select the activity you’re interested in to see timetables and availability – for basics fitness classes, choose ‘Fitness Classes’ and browse the timetable for basics sessions
  4. Click ‘Book’ on the timeslot you want and log in to complete your booking

To book an activity on our app:

  1. Log in and find your nearest Better centre
  2. Select the activity you’re interested in to see timetables and availability - for basics fitness classes, choose ‘Fitness Classes’ and browse the timetable for basics sessions
  3. Click ‘Book Now’ on the timeslot you want and follow the instructions to complete your booking

To get your fitness journey off to a great start, why not sign up for a Better Health UK monthly membership? As a member, you’ll receive a range of benefits such as access to Better gyms and pools across the UK, access to our Health Suites which include sauna and Jacuzzis (where available) and 7-day priority online activity booking. Or, if you’re over a certain age* you can also join as a Better Health Senior member and enjoy all these benefits at your local Better facilities at a discounted rate.

* Note minimum age eligibility of may vary in different leisure centre locations. Please check the membership criteria at your local Better centre.

Sign up today

I have never been one to engage much with any form of exercise, but I started going to the gym five years ago. It has had a huge impact on my health and fitness. I have thrown my stick away and lost a lot of weight. I now go to the gym for a few fitness classes most days. The instructors are all well qualified people who give excellent guidance. The atmosphere is great, and I really enjoy the company of other members.
- Simon, Better member

Benefits of sports for over 50s and seniors

Staying active is important at any age, but it can be especially valuable later in life. Benefits of exercise for over 50s and 60s include:

  • Improving your coordination – regularly exercising as a senior can help improve your balance and coordination, minimising your chances of having a fall
  • Working your whole body – whether you’re swimming lengths of the pool or doing a group sport, low-impact exercises still get your body moving
  • Maintaining your mobility and bone health – working out is a great way to maintain your range of motion and keep you mobile. Regular strength or resistance-based exercises can also improve your bone density in later life
  • Getting social – group swimming sessions, fitness classes and club games are the perfect way to get to know new people and become part of the Better community
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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to exercise?

For most sports, all you need is a pair of trainers and some comfortable clothing you can easily move about in. For swimming, make sure to bring a swimming costume or pair of swimming trunks and for sports. For sports sessions, all equipment is provided, but you can always ask your trainer/instructor if you need to bring or wear anything specific.

How often should I exercise?

You should aim to do some kind of physical activity every day. Whether that’s taking the dog for a walk, getting out and about with the grandkids or visiting your local Better centre, try and move a little bit as often as you can and plan in some more intense sports sessions throughout your week to keep up your fitness.

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Outdoor Swimming

Fancy some fresh air? Visit one of our lidos, lakes or reservoirs and enjoy some outdoor swimming. Whether you want to take a class or relax with friend and family, we have 11 outdoor swimming venues for you to choose from. Get your body moving and spend some time outside.

Find out more

Community Stories

Our community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you need a bit of extra motivation or want to learn more about the Better community, you can hear from our members across the UK about how exercise has positively impacted their lives.

Find out more