Forever Active

Archery - Wendy and Janine

"If you want to try something different, we’d recommend giving archery a go. All the equipment is provided, and an instructor will show you what to do. You’ll be amazed how quickly you can become a whizz at it. It’s not just about shooting arrows, we get to have a good chat too. We also enjoy other sports on both the Monday and Thursday Forever Active days, and happily try new things as they get added to the programme."

Short Mat Bowls – Ray & Phil

Phil and Ray run the Forever Active 50+ short mat bowling at The Bridge. "It is a small, friendly group that plays every Thursday morning from 9.30am to 12.00pm. The atmosphere is very relaxed, but things can get competitive in a nice way. If anyone fancies having a go at a very low impact sport, you would be made very welcome. There is a little bit of bending involved but absolutely no running or weightlifting!"

Tennis – Dave

"I have been playing tennis with the Forever Active Group at the Bridge since I retired a few years ago. There is a good, regular crowd of us and we enjoy several sets, primarily doubles, each week, giving the opportunity to play with and against like minded people of a similar age and ability. They are a friendly bunch and several of us go on to do other sports throughout the day which all helps to keep us fit and mobile."

Gym Circuits - Margaret

"I have been participating in Gym Circuits for a few years. I enjoy this class because it gives me confidence using the gym and its equipment under supervision. The qualified instructors ensure that you are doing the exercises safely and correctly. The numerous exercises are devised to work on different parts of the body. As this is a group session, you are working with people of a similar age and ability. It’s a time when you can have fun and make friends, as well as working to your own ability."

Ballet & Stretch - Joan

"Some remember ballet from their childhood, some have done a bit of dancing and some, like me, bought our first ever pair of ballet shoes. We bend, we stretch, we point our toes, sometimes we skip cross the room, we often marvel at our complete inability to move our arms and our legs at the same time. I do not think we will be appearing at Covent Garden any time soon, but everyone leaves smiling. Our flexibility, posture and balance improve week by week, and there is always the barre to hang on to. I just love it. Forever Active has given me the opportunity to try things I would otherwise have not attempted. Everyone is friendly and there is a good deal of laughter, always the best medicine. As an added bonus there is the café to chat with your new friends over a coffee."

Keep Fit - Bernie

"I have been a member of 50 Plus since I retired. One of the classes I attend is Keep Fit. This is a low impact class to music, which helps support coordination, keeping our minds as active as our bodies. I also take part in the Pilates class. 50 Plus is as much about the social aspect as it is the fitness. It makes me feel good and I look forward to it."

Steady and Strong – Jennie

"I belong to the Forever Active (50 Plus) group at The Bridge Leisure Centre where l do the Pilates and Keep Fit classes. Recently l have been having some balance issues and l fell over twice whilst out walking. A friend suggested l try the Steady and Strong class also held at the centre. I have been attending this class for a few weeks now and my balance problems have definitely improved. There are many other Forever Active classes to choose from and it's very sociable and everyone is very friendly. There is also a café and some of us stay for a coffee after classes. The class prices are also very reasonable so if you want to get fit and make new friends, why not give it a try?"

Yoga - Sheila

"After an exhilarating morning of various energetic activities, it’s very pleasant and relaxing to join the Yoga class for an hour in the afternoon. Our knowledgeable instructor gently guides us through controlled breathing techniques and various Yoga postures which are suitable for our age group (mostly 50 plus) which are designed to help us maintain flexibility and balance. We concentrate on “Breath, Mind and Body”. The class ends with a short period of restful relaxation which brings inner peace and calm and is a lovely way to round off the day’s activities at The Bridge."

Badminton - Paul

"Badminton is well known as a sport for all ages and ability levels. The Forever Active Badminton sessions on Monday and Thursday afternoons at The Bridge are no exception. ‘50 Plus’ is the label, but I’m sure some of our players are nudging 80! Its great fun and a good place to make new friends. Why not join us? Is doesn’t matter if your racquet skills are very rusty, or even long since forgotten, you will still be made very welcome."

Pickleball - Lyn

"After Covid I came back to my Aerobics class at Forever Active. I was looking for an extra activity and heard they were starting Pickleball. I had read about it and was keen to find out more. Its elements are a cross between badminton, table tennis and tennis. With the help of the instructor, it was easy to pick up. You don’t have to be super fit, and meeting new people added to the enjoyment of learning a new sport."

"I have been going to Forever Active Aerobics at the Bridge since I retired some years ago. I really enjoy the weekly classes and have made lots of friends there - they are a very sociable bunch. The friendly teacher ensures that the routines are fun and tailored to our age group, so that we keep coming back for more! It's a lovely way to keep moving and stay fit."

Group Cycling - Graham

"I never thought that I would be able to do a spin class, but the instructor led Forever Active class on Thursday morning has proved me wrong. A friendly group of people, like all in the Forever Active crew, and you can choose your own level. A great workout. Just don’t forget your drinks bottle.”

Table Tennis – Carol   

"When I joined Forever Active I was a complete novice to table tennis but quickly learned that there was a bit more to it than the names 'ping pong' suggests. I really enjoy the flexible, easy-going sessions – players come and go throughout the morning, some play from beginning to end while others stay for just a few games; sitting out to watch and chat is okay too. Some people like to play twice a week, some just come when they can. Ages range from 50-ish to nearly 90 and there is a variety of abilities. From rusty school players to hardened spinners – no two games are ever the same. We mostly play doubles but there is usually an opportunity to play singles or just have a practice hit. Most of all it is great fun – we tend to laugh quite a lot – and it is a good workout for body and mind."