Health & exercise groups

Many people like to take part in health and exercise groups as a way of helping themselves to start and keep on with a keep fit and exercise programme.
Others want to learn more about different approaches to improving their own and their families health.
The courses available range from the active like aerobics to the more sedentary like aromatherapy or reflexology. There are classes available for complete beginners and for those with some fitness and/or knowledge already.
You can learn more about health and exercise in your own time, take a quick day or weekend course, or commit yourself to a longer programme of study.

See the organisations listed under Learning and under Keepfit.

See the magazines listed under Learning and under Keepfit.

Find a local health and exercise group or club that covers the type of activity that interests you (see organisations above).
Take a class or course at your local sports or adult education centre. See if your local group offers introductory sessions or events. Check magazines or the Internet for distance learning possibilities and health and exercise study weekends or holidays.
Consult books or magazines on different types of health and exercise.
Check in your local library/paper, sports or education centre for more information.

Anyone can attend health and exercise classes at any age and no special abilities are required; the more active classes are usually divided by age group and fitness to ensure that the instruction given is appropriate.
You can study many aspects of health and exercise at home on your own. But many people prefer to have the stimulus and discipline of being with a teacher and a group of people.
There are many systems of distance learning (mail order, radio, TV or Internet based), as well as short and longer local classes.
You can also go on learning holidays that give specific instruction and practical experience relevant to different aspects of health and exercise.

Many classes require no special equipment or clothing, though for those involving active exercise you may need trainers and clothes you can move in easily (see under keepfit).
You may want to have some books, instruction leaflets or tapes, though it is possible to learn just from your tutor or from radio and TV programmes.

No special facilities are needed to learn more about health and fitness at home, other than the space needed for any exercise activities.
Local groups usually meet in schools, sports or adult education centres or local halls.