Find out about the amazing choice of physical activities suitable for older people across the Barnsley borough in our directory below.
Search for a group or class which suits you. You will find details of where and when they meet and what they do. There’s also a phone and/or email to get in touch. Most are daytime activities either free or low cost.
This directory is brought to you by The Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance (BOPPAA) led by Age UK Barnsley and funded by Barnsley Council.
BOPPAA aims to increase participation in physical activities that improve the strength, balance and wellbeing of older people. It brings together NHS, public and private sector and voluntary organisations offering physical activity opportunities suitable for everyone in their 50s and above.
For further information, call Age UK Barnsley on 01226 776820 or email enquiries@ageukbarnsley.org.uk. *NB Each provider is responsible for delivery of their own activities/services – please see their contacts in the directory below.
You can browse through all the listings or filter by the type of activity you’re interested in, the part of borough where you live (please Show Map to see what each area covers) or the day of the week you want to get active.
Provider: u3a
Area: North
Venue: Mapplewell & Staincross Village Hall, Darton Lane, Mapplewell S75 6AL
Booking essential
Silver Shimmy Dancercise Group. Gentle Belly Dance and Exercise class. 2nd and 3rd Monday of the month. Belly Dance improves posture, coordination, muscle tone, core strength, flexibility & range of motion, cardiovascular health. confidence, positive body image & self-esteem. It is a fun, sociable, enjoyable and glamorous way to keep fit. Are you ready to give it a whirl and get shimmying?
More details about u3a activities can be found on bu3a.u3asite.uk website. Membership is required, costing £15.00 per year. For more information: coordinators running the groups can be emailed from u3a website bu3a.u3asite.uk/groups/
Provider: omJane
Venue: Online (Zoom)
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Over 50s iMove Pilates. This workshop-style session will really set you up for the week, with a standing & mat Pilates routine. Gentle stretches, breath work & posture checks will flow between core work & iMove freely techniques. Do you want to feel stronger, be less prone to back aches & joint niggles, build confidence in your body, gain core strength, and better posture? Then this positive, fun & empowering session is for you. Enjoying Improvement Through Movement.
Light to moderate intensity with modifications if needed. Further information: Short health questionnaire to be completed,1st session free, help and advice available if needed when booking your class, video recording option if unable to attend day/time of live zoom class. Cost just £6 per class, no hidden fees. Booking: www.omJane.com.
Provider: ACS Yoga
Area: North
Venue: Alder Close, Mapplewell, Barnsley, S75 6JA
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Seated and standing Yoga. Help improve flexibility and strength, learn breathing practices and relaxation techniques. Have fun and make new friends.
£5 per session. To book and for more info call Andrea Spencer on 07838816676
Area: North
Venue: Alder Close Community Centre, Off Longsight, Mapplewell, Barnsley S75 6JA
Level: Light intensity
Gentle chair yoga exercise suitable for all over 50s. Refreshments included.
Every Monday. £5 per session with refreshments provided. For more info please call Age UK Barnsley on 01226 776820.
Provider: Lesley Featherstone
Area: Dearne
Venue: St Andrew's Square Community Centre, Bolton on Dearne
Level: Other
Booking essential
Are you looking to build your strength and balance? If so, we have the ideal group in your area!
First 6 sessions FREE! £5 per session thereafter. To book, please call Lesley on 07713 510910.
Provider: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Area: Central
Venue: Worsbrough Miners Welfare, Park Rd, Worsbrough, Barnsley S70 5LJ
Booking essential
Pickleball & Refreshments. Learn to play Pickleball! Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
For further information contact Hannah Wright via email: hannah.wright@barnsleyfc.co.uk
Provider: Dorothy Hyman Bowling Club
Area: North East
Venue: Dorothy Hyman Bowling Green at Dorothy Hyman Sport Stadium
Level: Other
Gentle exercise through the activity of crown green bowling.
All levels of bowling experience would be welcome. Booking preferable, but not essential. For further information contact Jeff Morland on 07484 805748.
Provider: Move with Equanimity
Area: Penistone
Venue: Thurgoland Village Hall, Roper Lane, S35 7AA
Booking essential
Movement for Healthy Ageing. Gentle Yoga/Pilates class for people aged 50 plus. Strength, mobility, coordination, balance and mindfulness.
5 class pass £35. Booking: sarah@movewithequanimity.co.uk / www.movewithequanimity.co.uk / 07936362578.
Provider: Sprint Swim Academy
Area: North
Venue: Sprint Swim Academy, Mapplewell Business Park, Blacker Road, Barnsley, S75 6BP
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Are you over the age of 50? Sprint Swim Academy is offering Swim Mobility sessions! Following the session, why not visit our friendly cafe and enjoy food and a FREE hot drink whilst socialising with others?
£8.95 per session and a free hot drink. Limited spaces available. To book and secure your place, please call Sprint's reception desk on 01226 661521.
Provider: Shirley Sherwood Tai Chi
Area: North East
Venue: Royston Civic Hall
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
A specialised Tai Chi session that focuses on Tai Chi for Health. If you need any further information or a chat then please contact Shirley Sherwood Certified Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor. Tai Chi is extremely good for improving balance, posture and can be done standing or seated. It is also a great way to get out of the house and make new friends. Ideal for all abilities
Beginners. £3.00 per session after the 6 free sessions You can contact Shirley Sherwood either by e-mail shirley.a.sherwood@btinternet.com or 07956660224
Start date: 2026-02-02 End date: 2026-05-25<
Provider: OnPAR Health
Area: Central
Venue: OnPAR Health, Worsbrough Dale, Barnsley, United Kingdom, S70 4ST
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Over 50's Train, Meet and Eat. 1 hour exercise class focusing on developing strength, fitness and stability. Enjoy a healthy meal afterwards in the cafe. No Cost for the first 8 weeks - £6 per session for the remaining 8 weeks. Booking link - https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/8722/courses/39998 More info about gym and other sessions - www.onparhealth.co.uk
For further information visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/onparhealth, email us at: onparhealthclub@gmail.com or call Amy on 07834281257
Provider: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Area: Central
Venue: Oakwell (Indoor Academy Centre)
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
The Walking Football session gives people the opportunity to rediscover the joys of playing football and the basic elements of a match accessible to them by slowing the game down to a walking pace. The sessions are structured and delivered by qualified instructors who are experienced in delivering these activities.
Men of all abilities are welcome. Walking Football is not uniquely for older men. There may be some players recovering from injuries or have a health condition who may find the sessions preferable to regular 5-a-side football. For more information please contact Sean Margison, Health and Wellbeing Officer on 01226 211333 or sean.margison@barnsleyfc.co.uk.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: North East
Venue: Royston Leisure Centre
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Using the water to support your body weight, Aqua Aerobics is an aerobic and toning workout to music in the pool. Great for those who love a challenging workout without any impact on the joints.
This activity is for all ages. Royston Leisure Centre - Call 01226 722991 or email roystonenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Mind Body and Spirit Barnsley
Area: Central
Venue: Mind Body and Spirit Barnsley, 110 Dodworth Road, Barnsley, S70 6HL
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Pilates Rehab and beginners.
Booking essential. For more information and to book call Adriana on 07769 996438 or book online at https://www.mind-bodyandspirit.com/booking/ Class duration is 60 minutes and the cost is £8.00 per session.
Provider: Sporting Penistone
Area: Penistone
Venue: Penistone Leisure Centre
Level: Other
Booking essential
Chair Fitness is a gentle exercise class adapted to suit less able people. Our coach, Rachel is experienced in working with older or less able people to help them with fall prevention, core strength and general fitness.
Beginners. £4 per session. Book online at www.penistoneleisurecentre.org.uk/book/chair-fitness/ or call Penistone Leisure Centre on 01226 763949.
