Getting Active

Step it up

Aside from keeping us physically healthy, exercising makes us feel good and can be a great way to meet new people.  Being active is particularly important as we get older.  It not only reduces our risk of serious illness but also enables us to stay fit enough to keep doing the things we enjoy.

We don’t have to be young, or even particularly fit, to start being more active.  It also doesn’t have to involve going anywhere near a gym or squeezing into brightly coloured lycra  (well, not unless you want to!).

The main thing is to do something you enjoy.  Aside from leaving you feeling better inside, choosing an enjoyable activity makes it more likely you will keep doing it and make it part of your daily routine.

Get active, stay healthy

It’s medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have:

  • up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
  • up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
  • up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer
  • up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer
  • a 30% lower risk of early death
  • up to an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis
  • up to a 68% lower risk of hip fracture
  • a 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults)

Physical does not just have physical benefits. Mentally, it can help to lift your mood, reduce stress, prevent or improve depression and prevent the onset of dementia.

How to get active

Adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day on at least five days per week.  Children and young people should be doing twice that amount. It doesn’t have to be a vigorous workout and you can find ways to fit physical activity into your daily routine – it may be as simple as walking to and from the shops.

Don’t forget to stay strong.  Exercise that strengthens your core muscles are particularly important for keeping you healthy for longer.

Local physical activity groups

Our community map has a whole section dedicated to getting active and can help you find something to do near you.

Seated Exercise

Age UK Seated Yoga
Gentle and relaxing chair based yoga class.
Every Monday, 1.30pm -2.30pm at Great Hollands Community Centre. First session FREE (£3 per session thereafter) with refreshments provided.

Fit for All Seated Exercise
Gentle movement in a supported and beginner friendly environment.
Every Monday, 10 – 11am at Coopers Hill Youth and Community Centre. First session FREE (£3 per session thereafter) with refreshments provided. Sign up via the Fit for All registration form.

Age UK Tai Chi

Gentle exercises to improve balance, coordination and muscle strength.
Every Tuesday, 11am – 12noon at Great Hollands Community Centre. First session FREE (£5 per session thereafter) with refreshments provided.

Fit for All

Get fit in a supported and beginner friendly environment. Sign up using the Fit for All registration form!

  • Mondays, 10am – 11am at Priestwood Community Centre (First session FREE, £3 per session thereafter. Refreshments provided after the class)
  • Tuesdays, 6pm – 7pm at The Parks Community Centre (First session FREE, £3 per session)
  • Wednesdays, 11.30am – 12.30pm at Owlsmoor Community Centre (First session FREE, £3 per session thereafter. Refreshments provided after the class)
  • Thursdays, 10.30am – 11.30am at St Mark’s Church, Binfield (First session FREE, £3 per session thereafter. Refreshments provided after the class)
  • Thursdays, 12noon – 1pm at St Mark’s Church, Binfield (First session FREE, £3 per session thereafter. Refreshments provided after the class)
  • Fridays, 10.30am – 11.30am at Great Hollands Community Centre (First session FREE, £3 per session thereafter. Refreshments provided after the class)
  • Fridays, 12noon – 1pm at Great Hollands Community Centre (First session FREE, £3 per session thereafter. Refreshments provided after the class)

Unsure about getting active?

Exercise for people with long term conditions

If you have a long term health condition and would like to learn how to be physically active without causing further harm, your GP can refer you to the Bracknell Forest Activate Health Scheme. The 12 week scheme introduces you to physical activity and shows you the benefits of regular exercise. For further information please visit the Activate Health Scheme web pages.

Exercise and activities for people over 50

  • Fit for Life offer classes for the over 50’s. These include yoga, swimming, zumba, dance, badminton, short tennis, racquetball, squash, table tennis, keep fit, short mat bowls and splash fit. This is located at the Bracknell Leisure Centre. For more information call the leisure centre on 01344 454203 or visit the Everyone Active Bracknell website.
  • Age UK Berkshire offer Active Living classes around Berkshire.