Exercise for Everyone

Connected Communities - Activities in isolated communities

People from socioeconomically disadvantaged population groups are less likely to be physically active and more likely to experience adverse health outcomes. Exercise for Everyone is a not for profit organisation aimed at providing a "go to place" for the disadvantaged in the local community
Everyone is welcome at this class, all shapes and sizes fit here, all social class, race and religion can feel at home here.

Why the community needs us
Our recent work has been aimed at local women aged late 30s an over, all based in and around Anerley, South London. We aim to develop our work with the women who participate in our activites - to go beyond health benefits and to ultimatelybuild confidence and create stronger community links

Our impact on the community
Our Projects has always widely praised in the local community. Classes well attended, most participants regularly attend, and most of them referred to the class by other participants. They joined the class in part because of the proximity and the casual nature of the group, which they felt enhanced the local offer for the community.

Participants gave excellent feedback on the quality of instructors, the friendly and supportive atmosphere in the class, the lack of judgement on their performance and their progress since they started. ‘I wouldn’t want to go to a gym where you are judged all the time’ was a recurrent comment.

Participants also commented that they ‘would not be able to attend exercise classes as they are on low income’, and felt the project was a ‘valuable contribution’ to their physical and mental health, community cohesion and social interaction.

One participant is an MS sufferer and another is recovering from back and knees surgery. Both commented on the positive benefits of the class on their general health and the support they get from the coaches and the comraderies within the group Mary started these exercise classes in order to keep fit. After each exercise class, she found that she was satisfied and felt that she had a healthy workout. She has seen various improvements and progress in herself. One particular example being that she is better at sit ups. She used to need a lot of assistance before, but now needs very little support when performing the sit ups. She met some new people at the sessions and would recommend it to others as well as continue to attend when the opportunity arises. Pauline was told about the class by another participant who was part of the class. She was told that her muscular pains had reduced since attending, and she decided to give it a try and found her own muscular pains in her shoulder and arm improved immensely. She is also type 1 diabetic and has been able to reduce her insulin intake since joining the class. She feels that her mind is sharper, her memory has improved and her cognitive mind and physical state are in tune. Her balance has gotten better and she would definitely recommend the class to others and will continue where funding is resumed. She feels that class was a family unit who looked forward to seeing each other every week and support is given. Clarice, the exercise coach, was very attentive to the individuals and and gave constructive feedback. Without the funding, she would've lost out and hopes it can continue in some form. The class was brilliant for mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing. Louisa said she really didn’t believe that exercise could be fun, yet Exercise for Everyone has made her classes a fun, social event, letting everyone work at their own pace, enjoying exercise. Yet she gives a gentle push each lesson to make you feel the benefit from her classes.’ ‘Judy and I am 41 years old. I joined class early this year and I have seen many benefits. I was a thyroid patient before I joined the class. I have had it for 3 years and the doctor's had not been able to control it but when I started the workout it's now under control and I have been off medication for 3 weeks’ Natasha ‘I lacked in energy, I was de-motivated and now I am so full of energy, I also had problems sleeping, but I now sleep very well. The coach gives very good advice and follows up to see how I am doing, I am much fitter now and I would really recommend this to any woman who wants to live a healthy life!I always recommend all my friends to join. I am very grateful to have the opportunity. I always look forward for the sessions’ Mary ‘The project has help me to lose weight and improve my cholesterol level, blood pressure, mobility, I feel fitter and healthier. Can cook simple and healthy meal’
Especially, being able to gain the encouragement of independence to do exercise alone, as they have enjoyed the social wellbeing of taking part in the program.

Volunteers needed

could match you with a volunteer who could provide you with a free logo redesign, fix website bugs, grow your social media presence or increase your fundraising income.

What your gift could provide

£4

could pay for one Sports Water Bottle Portable Dumbbell

£10

could pay for one exercise mat

£60

One exercise class: with an experienced trainer in a local community hall

Fundraise for us!