Active Leeds – how older people can stay active and meet new friends

Written by Zenya Smith • 02/12/24

What is the best exercise for over 60s?

There’s no single best exercise for older people, what works for you or your loved one will depend on ability levels, interests, and what you want to get out of exercising. Here are some popular options and where you can take part.

1. Walking

Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to maintain an active lifestyle, It’s low-impact, gentle on the joints, and can be done almost anywhere. It supports heart health, and is full of social opportunities too if you join a walking group like the examples below.

Headingley Walking Group – a free group for over 40s that meet every Thursday.

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Leeds – a community association that arranges short group walks over easy ground at a steady pace

Middleton Elderly Aid Walking Group – a charitable organisation that promotes independence amongst the over 60s. Walks take place on a Tuesday afternoon

Looking for advice before you head out? Don’t miss our walking tips.

2. Strength training exercise programmes

Strength training, or resistance exercises, involve using weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight to build muscle. It can help counteract the natural loss of muscle mass that occurs with age. Stronger muscles support better posture, balance, and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. It can also help make daily activities like lifting shopping bags or getting up from a chair easier.

Active Leeds Strength – these classes are available for anyone over the age of 45, a full list of participating locations can be found on the Active Leeds website.

Falls Prevention Postural Stability Classes – Leeds City Council offer a structured programme of balance classes for people at risk of falls. The programme is delivered by qualified instructors in a range of community and leisure centres.

3. Chair exercise classes

Chair exercises are perfect for older adults who prefer low-impact options that don’t put strain on the knees or hips. These gentle exercise classes are done while seated, focusing on strength, flexibility, and range of motion. They can be adapted to suit any fitness level.

Older Wiser Local Seniors (OWLs) – a community group that helps local people stay healthy and independent, OWLs runs a gentle, chair based exercise group every Tuesday. Suitable for any skill level, each session costs £2.50.

Burmantofts Community Friends– Burmantofts have been providing practical support and activities for mental and physical wellbeing to older people since 1995. They hold weekly low cost chair-based classes.

4. Swimming or aqua aerobics

Swimming and water aerobics are excellent choices for those with arthritis or joint pain, as the water supports the body and allows for fluid movement without impact.

Your local leisure centres will likely offer older adult swim classes, which is a great way to stay active and meet like minded people.

Both Fearnville leisure centre and Rothwell leisure centre Hold a range of aqua exercise sessions, including a weekly aqua mobility class.

Bramley Baths – run regular over 60s swim sessions. You can join as a member or attend classes on a pay as you go basis for £6

5. Yoga and Tai Chi

Both Yoga and Tai Chi focus on gentle, flowing movements and deep breathing, which can help to increase your range of motion and promote relaxation which can be really good for your mental health too.

Older Wiser Local Seniors (OWLs) – Run gentle seated yoga every Wednesday afternoon for just £3.

Barca Pay as You Feel Yoga – This affordable yoga class takes place Monday evenings for residents in West Leeds

Tai Chi Leeds – offers a directory of smaller beginners classes taking place across Leeds, many are pay as you go, so you can try it without commitment.

Otley Action for Older People – Weekly Tai Chi classes of 25+ members held every Thursday afternoon. You’ll need to join via their website, and classes are £5.

6. Dance classes

Dancing is not only fun but also a fantastic way to stay active and meet new people. Many types of dance, such as ballroom, line dancing, or even social dancing.

Dance On – Offers a 24 classes for people over the age of 55 in Leeds and Bradford. The first taster session is free, with follow up classes just £3 each.

Middleton Elderly Aid – run weekly dancercise and line dancing sessions. Visit their website for the latest class times.

Where to find additional fitness classes in Leeds?

If none of the above classes or groups take your fancy, you can find a wide range of activities via the organisations below.

Leisure centres

Centres throughout Leeds are part of the council’s Active Leeds programme and offer classes to help you get moving and stay social. You can find participating leisure centres and class timetables via the Active Leeds website, or by asking at your local leisure centre.

Age UK Leeds

Age UK has a number of centres throughout Leeds offering support and social groups to those in later life. You can find what’s on in your area by entering your postcode here.

The Move it or Lose it programme

Move it or Lose it! was founded in 2010 by exercise instructor, Julie Robinson, and a network of instructors provide exercise classes to hundreds of older people each week.

They have a number of classes taking place around Leeds, and the first is free.

Roundhay Parochial Church – Mondays
Moor Allerton Sports & Social Club – Mondays
Bramhope Methodist Church – Wednesdays
Bramhope Methodist Church – Tuesdays
Bardsey Sports Club – Tuesdays

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