Lifestyle and wellbeing sessions in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon area

We know that getting active can be a challenge and you may need some extra support. This is where our active health scheme can help. It is an accessible service for adults who would benefit from a structured physical activity programme in a safe, supervised environment. The scheme will support you to make lifestyle changes, especially if you have a limiting lifelong illness. The scheme will support your long-term participation in regular physical activity through goal setting and developing confidence, therefore, improving your mental, social and physical wellbeing.

The active health scheme is intended for people:

  • living within the Harrogate area
  • aged 18 years or above
  • who have low to moderate risk health conditions
  • who have severe coronary heart disease or early post-myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, angioplasty (cardiac rehab classes only)
  • who have mild to moderate mental health problems (for example, depression, anxiety or stress)
  • who have diabetes type one and two
  • who have post-physiotherapy musculoskeletal conditions (for example, knee, hip, shoulder)

There are two types of active health programme:

  • schemes where you or your doctor will need to make a referral 
  • sessions that you can book and attend like a regular class

Active health - referral only sessions

Cardiac rehab - phase 3

Level 1: A circuit-based exercise class designed specifically for people who have had a cardiac event to improve physical and mental wellbeing. In partnership with Harrogate District Hospital Cardiac rehabilitation nurses.

Complete our Active Health referral form

Cardiac rehab - phase 4

Level 2: A circuit-based exercise class designed specifically for people who have had a cardiac event to improve physical and mental wellbeing. In partnership with Harrogate District Hospital Cardiac rehabilitation nurses.

Complete our Active Health referral form

Cardiac talk

Closed Group for Cardiac. Phase 3 participants.

Complete our Active Health referral form

Exercise after a stroke

Specifically developed sessions to help stroke survivors progressively recover:

  • lost balance
  • coordination
  • functional strength
  • movement and flexibility

Complete our Active Health referral form

Fall prevention

This is a gentle exercise class designed to improve your strength and balance, enabling you to enjoy more physical activity, while reducing the risk of a fall.

Complete our Active Health referral form

Exercise for neurological conditions

Exercise session for people with Parkinson's conditions. Chair-based or standing exercises focusing on:

  • balance
  • correct body position and alignment
  • walking ability
  • strength

Complete our Active Health referral form

Fit4future - cancer support

An exercise class for people undergoing treatments, after treatment or recovering from cancer.

Complete our Active Health referral form

Fit4life - weight management

Fit4life is a free 12-week weight management programme, accessed by referral from your doctor, that aims to promote healthy eating and physical activity to achieve healthy weight loss. We will support and motivate you to change your lifestyle to improve your health.

The programmes are run by qualified health and exercise experts to ensure the course can be tailored to you.

We use a variety of techniques to teach you about food choices, change your current behaviour and develop a healthy relationship with food whilst introducing you to exercises to help in the weight loss journey.

All participants can use our facilities whilst on their weight loss journey. This will be set up within the registration process.

Your doctor needs to refer you to join the programme and can do so if you are:

  • aged 18 or over
  • have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 and above, or 25 and above for people who are black, Asian or ethnic minority and people with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiac and respiratory problems. Visit the NHS website to work out your body mass index (BMI) 
  • willing to commit to the 12-week programme
  • willing to commit to losing 5% of your body weight
  • not suffering from uncontrolled comorbidities

A maintenance programme is also offered free of charge for a further 12 weeks for those who successfully lose 5% of their body weight.

There are a variety of classes in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough, during the day and on an evening to best fit your needs. The classes are held within the leisure and wellbeing hubs as well as at community-based venues.

View our adult weight management privacy notice here

The structure of the course

  • to start the programme you need to book an initial one-to-one induction with your instructor, which will be held at your preferred class venue. During the induction, you will set some goals and be entered into the system. You will also be required to fill out a health and lifestyle form with any current medication
  • you will attend the same class each week for 12 consecutive weeks where you will be weighed, partake in physical activity which has been tailored to you and engage in a weight management-specific nutrition talk to help with behaviour change. By enrolling on the programme you are committing to attending the full programme
  • the programme runs on a rolling 12-week basis with a different nutritional topic addressed each week, this means you may not start on the same week as others but will still receive the full 12 weeks, just in a slightly different order. You will learn the facts behind the food you eat to learn how to make better choices
  • to get the best experience from the programme ask as many questions to your instructor as needed, wear comfortable clothes and sensible shoes (trainers if possible), bring a bottle of water and come with an open mind to try new exercise
  • the classes are formatted in a circuits-based exercise style as these are easily adaptable to each individual. There may be some things you think you cannot do, but your instructor will help you find a way of making the exercise more suitable

Book onto the course

Complete our Active Health referral form

Pulmonary rehab

A class designed for people with breathlessness as a result of any respiratory condition, working on improving fitness and functional strength to help you manage your symptoms.

Complete our Active Health referral form

Active health - sessions that do not need a referral

Advanced balance

Lower leg strength and balance class, aimed to improve lower body strength, balance and co-ordination. This will help you safely perform everyday activities with confidence. This class is aimed at an already active adult wanting to increase confidence.

Advanced balance is available at Fairfax Community Wellbeing Hub, Jennyfield Styan Community Wellbeing Hub and Stockwell Community Wellbeing Hub.

See the timetable and book your session

Fit4function - osteoarthritis support

Class designed to improve posture, strength, agility, coordination, balance and general health to reduce the risk of falls with an extra focus on lower body muscular strength with people with osteoarthritis.

Fit4function is available at Fairfax Community Wellbeing Hub, Jennyfield Styan Community Wellbeing Hub and Stockwell Community Wellbeing Hub.

See the timetable and book your session

Healthy families

The healthy families service is a free, online, confidential 12-session programme to fit around your family and support children and young people aged 4 to 19 years old to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We are a service that uses a flexible and compassionate approach that focuses on ensuring everyone has access to non-judgemental support. Making every step in your journey achievable you will be supported to make practical changes that are tailored to your family.

Your health and wellbeing coach will guide you and your family through your journey to keep you on track to achieve your healthy lifestyle goals.

Together we will explore a fully holistic approach focusing on eating well and becoming more active by making small positive changes without breaking the bank.

To join the programme your child must fit the following criteria:

  • aged 4 to 19 years old
  • BMI at or above the 91st percentile (classed as overweight)
  • resident or registered with a GP practice or school in North Yorkshire
  • please consult your GP for a medical referral (if applicable)

Contact us if you have any concerns regarding your family's health and wellbeing and think this service might help you lead a healthier life in the future.

Meno-Fit - menopause support

Meno-Fit is an 8-week programme designed to support women experiencing menopause symptoms through exercise classes and advice from one of our health and wellness coaches.

Our holistic approach aims to improve your wellbeing, providing both physical and emotional benefits.

The classes consist of:

  • exercise to help improve strength, conditioning and flexibility
  • advice and guidance on managing menopause symptoms through lifestyle changes, nutrition, and wellness strategies

Each participant will also receive a detailed resource booklet packed with beneficial information and tips to support you throughout the programme and beyond

Meno-Fit is free if you have a gym and swim membership or costs £5.60 per class for non-members or those with gym or swim only memberships.

Join Meno-Fit and take a proactive step towards a healthier, more vibrant you. Embrace menopause with confidence and vitality, we will thrive through every moment together.

Contact us for more information.

Seated exercise

A low-level seated exercise class suitable for all abilities.

Seated exercise is available at Fairfax Community Wellbeing Hub, Jennyfield Styan Community Wellbeing Hub and Stockwell Community Wellbeing Hub.

See the timetable and book your session