Adult Group Sessions.

Structured small-group exercise sessions for adults in a supportive, social setting

A safe, welcoming space to exercise with support from experienced staff, building rapport week after week.

Our adult exercise groups are designed around evidence-based guidelines for healthy ageing, balance, and Parkinson’s and stroke rehabilitation. They are a safe and welcoming space to exercise with support from experienced staff, and numbers are limited so every participant has the right level of support to complete exercises safely and with an element of challenge.

The groups are fun and social: participants return week after week, building a rapport with other members, and we offer refreshments and a chance to socialise afterwards. Many people join following a period of one-to-one physiotherapy, while others start straight away after a screening assessment.

We run two groups. Strength and Balance for Life is a one-hour class three times a week, with a maximum of eight people and two members of staff supporting. It works on cardiovascular fitness, balance and strength, and suits adults with reduced mobility and balance who can walk a short distance with or without an aid. Carers are welcome to join in and support.

Staying Stronger for Longer is a weekly, hour-long higher-intensity group with a maximum of four participants. It works on higher-level balance, dynamic movement and strength, including floor work, so it suits adults who can get on and off the floor independently and stand without support.

The groups are led by Filiz Casewell, Ella Seeley, Russ Whiting and Natasha Young.

Parkinson’sStrokeMultiple SclerosisBalance & StrengthHealthy AgeingPeer Support

What to expect.

Screening Assessment

A brief assessment to discuss your medical history and make sure the group exercises are at the right level, including baseline measurements of functional tasks.

Warm Up

Group members arrive at the clinic and begin with a cardiovascular warm-up in the gym area.

Circuit Session

A circuit-style group with graded exercises to suit individual abilities, each chosen to work on a functional or movement skill.

Group Activity & Warm Down

The session finishes with a group activity and a warm down together.

Why exercise groups are a great way to stay healthy.

Parkinson’s

Consistent moderate to high-intensity exercise can slow symptom progression.
Growing evidence suggests regular exercise may help support the health and function of dopamine-producing neurons.
At least two and a half hours a week is recommended, including strength, balance, flexibility and coordination training.
This can improve motor symptoms such as rigidity, bradykinesia, freezing of gait and falls.
It also has the potential to improve non-motor symptoms such as depression, fatigue, apathy and sleep disturbance.

Stroke

Exercise can speed up recovery, and high-intensity exercise boosts neuroplasticity.
Intensive practice leads to better functional recovery and performance.
Cardiovascular benefits include reducing blood pressure, weight and the risk of another stroke.
Promotes independence and function, and reduces the risk of falls.
Improves strength, balance, posture, flexibility and stamina.

Multiple Sclerosis

Exercise can reduce non-physical symptoms such as fatigue, bladder and bowel function, cognition and mood.
It can improve function and quality of life, and may reduce the number of relapses.
Reduces the risk of falls, and improves walking speed and balance.
Strength and flexibility training can reduce spasticity, and exercise can improve bone density.
Research shows physical activity is beneficial at all stages of MS, and can postpone the onset of impairments.