Gym-based Circuit Class Programme

Through Forever Active Kent funding, Inclusive Sport delivered a 12-week gym-based circuit class programme for inactive adults aged 50+ in Whitstable. The funding covered coaching fees and venue costs, enabling participants to access structured, instructor-led sessions at Inclusive Fitness Gym.

The programme aimed to support adults who were not currently engaged in physical activity to build confidence, improve their fitness and feel more comfortable in a gym environment. Sessions were designed to be inclusive and adaptable, allowing each participant to work at their own level. Exercises could be modified where needed, ensuring participants were able to complete a safe and effective full-body workout.

Participants were supported by a qualified instructor who provided guidance, encouragement and reassurance throughout the programme. The friendly group environment helped people feel welcome, build confidence and develop positive exercise habits over the 12 weeks.

For Participants

• Supported inactive adults aged 50+ to become more confident using gym equipment.
• Provided regular opportunities to be active in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.
• Supported positive mental wellbeing, including improved mood, motivation and reduced stress.
• Encouraged participants to become more active outside of the sessions, including taking up walking and other activities.

For Inclusive Sport

• Helped attract new participants who had not previously accessed gym-based activity.
• Created a pathway from a funded introductory programme into ongoing paid gym sessions.
• Supported participants to become gym members after the programme, helping them continue their fitness journey.
• Strengthened the organisation’s ability to deliver inclusive, adaptable physical activity for adults aged 50+.

“I can’t believe what progress I have made. I never thought I would ever attend a gym, but Natasha, the instructor, has made me feel so welcome and helped me so much.” Participant

For many participants, the programme was their first experience of using a gym or taking part in structured exercise for some time. At the start, several participants lacked confidence with gym equipment and needed one-to-one support to feel comfortable and safe.

Over the 12 weeks, participants became more familiar with the gym environment, more confident using equipment and more independent in completing exercises. The group setting helped create a supportive atmosphere, where participants encouraged one another and enjoyed being active together.

A particularly positive outcome is that some participants have now signed up as gym members, enabling them to continue their fitness journey beyond the funded programme. Others have also become more active on a weekly basis by taking up additional activities such as walking, helping to sustain the progress they made during the programme.

“I have loved coming to the gym. I have gained in confidence, and I have increased my strength, and I am now able to do exercises I didn’t think were possible for me.” Participant

One of the biggest challenges was supporting participants who were completely new to the gym environment. Many lacked confidence using equipment and needed additional guidance in the early weeks to help them exercise safely and feel comfortable.

Maintaining motivation across the 12-week programme was also important, as participants had previously been inactive and needed encouragement to attend regularly and build new routines. This was addressed through personalised support, regular reassurance, positive feedback and a friendly group atmosphere.

The instructor adapted exercises to suit different abilities, helping participants progress at their own pace. This approach enabled participants to build confidence over time, become more independent and remain engaged throughout the programme.

• Building confidence takes time

Many participants were initially nervous about using the gym. A welcoming environment, clear instruction and regular reassurance were essential in helping people feel comfortable and confident.

• Social support improves engagement

The group format helped participants build relationships, encourage one another and enjoy being active together. This supportive atmosphere contributed to increased confidence and motivation to continue being active beyond the programme.

• Continuity helps sustain progress

Providing follow-on sessions in the same gym, with the same instructor and familiar participants, has helped reduce anxiety around change and supported participants to continue being active.

“I have loved this. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I never felt comfortable at a gym before and the idea of going to one scares me, but Inclusive Fitness has a friendly approach and Tash, the instructor, was amazing at helping me along the way.” Participant

Inclusive Sport has created a clear pathway for participants to continue being active beyond the funded programme. Follow-on gym-based classes have been introduced on a paid basis, delivered in the same venue, with the same instructor and many of the same participants. This approach provides continuity and helps participants maintain the confidence, routines and social connections developed during the 12-week programme. Some participants have also become gym members, supporting longer-term engagement and continued progress.

The project is sustainable because it supports a transition from funded introductory sessions into ongoing self-funded activity. This generates income to cover delivery costs while enabling participants to continue improving their health, fitness and wellbeing.

Additional support for transition or follow-on sessions would help strengthen this pathway further, particularly for participants who need continued encouragement before feeling confident enough to exercise independently.