In Bellfield’s & Slyfield we are expanding our free fitness class programme to offer more classes for the local community.

These activities are delivered by Active Wellbeing Team as part of the University of Surrey’s ambition to increase its social impact and reduce health inequalities through physical activity. This has been made possible with the support of funders including:

• The National Lottery Community Fund
• Voluntary Action SouthWest Surrey
• Sport England

The classes have been created using your feedback which has created a friendly, inclusive non-judgemental and friendly environment.

There are two Community exercise classes at St Peter’s Church (Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 and Thursday 18:15-19:15).

These offer a relaxed exercise class for all abilities, supporting each other to become more active. Outside of the group there is a WhatsApp chat to share things in and offer support for each other’s personal journeys. All goals are supported whether that is wanting to lose weight, feel fitter or improve your mental health. We aim to help and provide a secure, safe and very friendly environment for everyone.

A participant of a community exercise class said: “I’ve been coming to our wonderful group since it started. Hannah our teacher has been so encouraging and will tailor make our exercises to help us all on our journey. I live in Slyfield Guildford the group has helped me be more positive about myself, helping and encourage me to work at looking after my mental health as the older l get l need to keep my joints active”.

For expectant and new mums, we offer a pre and postnatal exercise programme across the borough. We have two mum and baby classes in Bellfield’s: Dance Mama Moves on a Monday 10:30-11:30 and Strengthen & Stretch with Baby on a Friday 10:00-11:00. These classes are designed to encourage new mums to try something new, be active and meet others. Non-mobile babies are welcome to attend with their mums. For expectant mums we have a pregnancy Strengthen & Stretch for Baby on Mondays 18:00-19:00 which is based on movements to build up fitness in readiness for birth and the opportunity to meet others.

A participant in of post natal classes commented: “I have been attending dance and stretch with my baby for a term. I wanted to attend to keep myself active, as it’s hard to find time for me with a baby. Being able to take X along to the classes means I get some exercise and he loves interacting with everyone which tires him out too and we all sleep much better! It is also refreshing to talk to other mummies going through the same. It gave focus to our day and having a set class we needed to be at a certain time, meant it was much easier to leave the house. It helped with the aching that goes with breast feeding and carrying around a heavy baby! The classes were well organised at good times and always felt very welcoming.”

And for residents aged 60 there is the opportunity to take part in Low-impact exercise (Wednesdays 13:00-14:00) and Pilates/Chair-based Pilates (Fridays 14:00-15:00) both in the church hall at St Peter’s as part of our Ageless Inspirations programme.

These classes are designed to help people stay strong, steady and independent for longer, whilst having a good time doing and meeting new people. All abilities welcome and seated options are offered for those with reduced mobility. We also have regular coffee mornings to get to know each other.

One of the participants in an Ageless Inspirations classes said: “I participated from the very first lesson and never looked back. I feel like there is a regeneration in me. Small aches, pains and stiffness are going or gone and it is a blessing. Besides it is good to be in company and exchange a few words with others.”

We can’t wait to welcome you and help you to feel positive changes to your physical and mental health. We encourage you to get out of the house, meet others in the community and enjoy health and fitness for all.

For further information or to sign up for any of these activities please email active wellbeing@surreysportspark.co.uk