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: 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.
Provider: Barnsley Wellbeing Walks
Area: South
Venue: Meeting point: RSPB Courtyard, S73 0YF
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Manvers Lake Waterfront Wellbeing Walk. Join walk leaders Julia and Ian for a circular walk starting at the RSPB courtyard and following the path around to the Manvers Lake Waterfront, with a halfway stop at the Boathouse Cafe for a lovely hot or cold refreshment. The park is full of wildlife from fish to ducks, geese and swans. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, but the walk can get muddy due to being a dirt track. There are a few slight inclines with some uneven ground, but it's mainly flat. There can be as many rest periods as required. The walk is dog friendly and there is free parking available.
For further information contact Barnsley Wellbeing Walks via email at: sport&activerecreation@barnsley.gov.uk.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: South
Venue: Hoyland Leisure Centre
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Pilates is a head to toe fitness method. This mat-based exercise class will take you through a conditioning routine to improve strength, flexibility and endurance and is a great way to build skills that will carry over into your sporting activities and everyday life.
This activity is for all ages. Call 01226 744063 or email hoylandenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Lynn Furness
Area: North East
Venue: Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre, Snydale Rd, Cudworth, Barnsley S72 8LH
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Open to Parkinson's patients from just diagnosis to level 3
Entry level. Booking is essential. Cost: £3 per session. Contact with the tutor, Lynn Furness to book your place! Email: Lynn.furness@gmail.com, telephone: 07775 948347
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: Central
Venue: Barnsley Metrodome
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 Doug on 07568 588805.
Provider: omJane
Venue: Online (Zoom)
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Over 55s Chair Based Exercise. This program is based on and around a chair. Join the class from your kitchen, bedroom, or any other space in which you can move safely & freely. I will teach you how to get healthier joints, build stronger bones, practice back care and improve posture, build a better balance to reduce the risk of falls in later life and much much more, so join me as a specialist postural stability instructor and Yoga teacher to motivate, stretch, strengthen and move your body safely & effectively with tips and techniques to take away each week. Let's love later life.
Short health questionnaire to be completed, 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 £7 per class, no hidden fees. Booking: www.omJane.com.
Provider: Focus4Vision
Area: Central
Venue: Shaw Lane Sports Club, Barnsley, S70 6HZ
It's a fantastic, tactical target sport! Players are split into a Red Team and a Blue Team, and the main aim is to throw your balls closest to the white target ball (the 'Jack'). All participants take their throws from a seated position. We have adaptive equipment available for anyone who needs it, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
All ages are welcome. Whether you have a disability or not, this session is fully inclusive. For more info email focus4vision2024@gmail.com
Provider: Darton Afternoon Club
Area: North
Venue: Darton Darby and Joan Club
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Darton Afternoon Club hosts Susie Macnamee Fitness once a month. Susie provides Darton Afternoon Club members with seated exercises, incorporating strength and balance exercises, once a month.
For further information or to get involved contact Lesley on 07760 235008 or 01226 383222, or via email at lesleycwarden@yahoo.co.uk.
Provider: Shirley Sherwood Tai Chi
Area: South
Venue: Billingley Village 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
£5.00 per session after the 6 free sessions. You can contact Shirley Sherwood either by e-mail shirley.a.sherwood@btinternet.com or 07956660224
Provider: u3a
Area: Central
Venue: Ardsley Bowling Club, Coronation Terrace, Ardsley S71 5BE
Booking essential
Quick to learn and exciting to play, improves hand-eye coordination, boosts general fitness and delivers plenty of fun!
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: Better Health Walks
Area: Central
Venue: Meeting point: Worsbrough Miners Welfare, Park Rd, Worsbrough, Barnsley S70 5LJ
For more information about the walks get in touch: jackcadman@barnsley.gov.uk
Provider: Dance to Health
Venue: Online via Zoom
Level: Other
Booking essential
Dance to Health is a falls prevention programme for older people who have had a fall or who are at risk of falling. The sessions, which can be done either seated or standing, incorporate postural stability with the fun and creativity of dance.
More details at www.dancetohealth.org.
Provider: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Area: North
Venue: Wilthorpe Community Centre, 184 Wilthorpe Rd, Barnsley S75 1JR
Level: Light intensity
Low level physical activity session with wellbeing information.
£3.50 per session. For more information please call 01226 211333 or email community@barnsleyfc.co.uk
Provider: u3a
Area: Central
Venue: St Thomas Community Centre, Church St, Gawber, Barnsley
Level: Other
Booking essential
Beginners. This is a is a form of movement and meditation. There is low cardiovascular exertion and no high impact movement which makes it suitable for any age or level of fitness.
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: ACS Yoga
Area: Central
Venue: Higham Methodist Chapel, Higham, Barnsley S75 1PQ
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
