Low-cost and free exercise classes for Basingstoke residents

Aimed at supporting health and well-being, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is delivering a range of inclusive programmes across the borough for residents.

The sessions are designed to improve physical health, build confidence and boost social connections.

Councillor John McKay, cabinet member for communities, partnerships and inclusion, said: "It is important that our residents have opportunities to be active.

"While we are not the authority responsible for health, we take our role in supporting our residents to access these opportunities very seriously.

"We are currently developing our new Active Wellbeing Strategy to guide our work and, while we do this, we are also supporting sessions designed to break down some of the barriers that may prevent people from exercising, like cost and location.

"We are doing this through targeted low-cost or free sessions that support residents, both new to exercise or wanting to be more active in different stages of their lives.

"People can become more active at any age and feedback from these sessions is telling us residents are feeling stronger, more confident and more connected.

"Small steps can make a big difference and I encourage people to learn more about these sessions and give them a try."

The council is working with partners to deliver activities focused on the needs of different age groups and communities.

Older adults can join pay-as-you-go Forever Fit classes every Tuesday from 1.30pm to 2.15pm at The Ridgeway Centre in Buckskin for just £3.

These sessions focus on gentle exercises to improve balance, strength and flexibility.

A similar programme, Love to Move, launches on Wednesday, April 15, at The Link in Tadley.

This session offers dementia-friendly, seated movement to music for just £3 each week.

New mums can also access post-natal exercise classes, led by FitMama, designed to support recovery, movement and connection with others in a similar stage of life.

The next course runs every Friday from April 17 to July 3 at Studio 41 on Stroudley Road.

For young people, the council has partnered with Sport in Mind to deliver free, fun sessions for 10 to 14-year-olds.

The sessions use interactive games to build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment and run in Tadley on Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm and in Popley on Wednesdays from 4pm to 5pm.

More health and wellbeing opportunities supported by the council can be found at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/current-health-initiatives.