Exercise Classes for Older Adults

For 2026, with a little encouragement, I have started a new strength training class. My 50+ friends have been nagging me for a while now, saying, This is what we need!’, and ‘When are you going to start?’. So now my Monday morning starts with not just one, but two sessions of Midlife Muscle, especially for women. It’s been such a hit, that I had no choice but to arrange for 2 classes back to back, and I really look forward to my Monday mornings, which is training for me as well as everyone else in the class!

From menopause onwards, women undergo hormonal changes and need to pay attention to training for stronger muscles, hence ticking the box for stronger joints and improved bone density. Add in core, pelvic floor and balance work and you’re looking at a new, stronger you today and for the future. What about the men, I hear you say? Well, I am pleased to say, I have had far more men join my classes recently, and they are very focused on both strength and balance. My classes focus on upper body strength as much as leg strength, as we need to keep ourselves confident in getting down on the floor and getting back up again. This requires strength as well as flexibility. Come to my Otago or Strong & Steady classes to find out more! Maybe my next step will be to start a mens’ only strength class – what do you think?

I am pleased that my level 3 Exercise Referral qualification is being put to good use, with referrals coming in from GP’s, physios and most recently, the stroke ward at Airedale Hospital. It is great that the message is getting out there that exercise can be prescribed for various conditions, and that the health services know that these classes are available for their patients. My level 4 Postural Stability Instructor qualification from Later Life Training, allows me to offer the FaME programme… Falls Management Exercise. This teaches the older members of our community how to improve their postural stability to avoid a fall, and how to get down onto the floor and back up again, by building up the skills and strength – the FaME programme aims to improve quality of life and help people maintain independent living.

Exercise should be accessible to all levels and ages in every community, and I am passionate about helping older adults (50+) set and achieve their goals through regular exercise. Joining a class can be so motivating, yet for some, taking that first step can be the biggest hurdle to cross! The social aspect of class exercise is great for mental well-being. Everyone is different, and has different goals, but class participants all have the common goal of staying active, strong, steady and as mobile as possible! I can help you adapt exercises to suit you, whatever your level. My classes involve using a chair for support, in order to help people exercise safely (eg. whilst looking after hip replacements, medical conditions or declining balance).

I just counted up and have 11 classes on offer each week! Each class has a different feel to it, so come and try a few out, let me help you set some personal goals and we will find the best session to suit your needs. Weight bearing exercise is the best way to maintain cardiac fitness and bone density as we grow older, but if you are feeling less able to achieve this, a 45-60 minute chair-based session is so beneficial. The session is aimed at boosting circulation, working on joint mobility, flexibility and muscle strength using resistance bands. Often set to music, this class is a great way to exercise, have fun and meet new friends. If the group environment isn’t your thing, perhaps you would prefer a 1:1 consultation. I can write up a programme tailored to your needs and help you achieve the exercises until you feel confident to go it alone.

Ever noticed your balance isn’t what it used to be? The Otago Exercise Programme is aimed at teaching balance, leg strength and falls awareness. This class takes place at the Fitspace Hub at the Settle Area Swimming pool. (Wednesdays, 2pm, £6) We particularly enjoy the Swimming Pool’s cafe after the session! There are lots of other fitness classes on offer, including gentle exercise in the water. Take a look at all the schedule at Settle Pool here: https://www.settleswimmingpool.co.uk/swimming/timetable/

Here are my current classes in the Settle, Yorkshire Dales area… (see other page for Nordic walking classes)

Langliffe Institute – Midlife Muscle 50+ strength training – Mondays 9am or 10.30am – £7 payable in monthly blocks

Langliffe Institute – Strong & Steady– Mondays 12-1pm – £8 including refreshments

Austwick Parish Hall – Strong & Steady – Tuesdays 11.30-12.30 – £7 (but not 12th May, 16th June or 14th July 2026)

Long Preston – Strong & Steady– Tuesdays 1.30-3pm – £5 including refreshments (first session free)

Settle at Limestone View in the lounge- Strong & Steady– Wednesdays at 11am – £6

Settle Area Swimming Pool in the Fitspace Hub – Otago Leg Strength & Balance Programme, Wednesdays at 2pm, £7 per session

Horton-in-Ribblesdale Village Hall – Strong & Steady – Thursdays 10.30am – £6 including refreshments

Hellifield Methodist Chapel – Strong & Steady- Fridays 12 noon – currently donation only (grant funded until 8th May)

Tosside Community Hall – Fit as a Fiddle Fridays 2pm – £6 payable in 6-week blocks, including refreshments

If you are interested in 1:1 sessions in your own home, please call Jo on 07966 981985

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to ask for more information.