Gyms certainly aren’t for everyone. There’s the ‘gym bros’, thumping music, over-representation of Lycra, annoying membership contracts, and equipment that practically requires an engineering degree to operate. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on your fitness goals or settle into a sedentary lifestyle. There are plenty of alternatives to the big gym format that will keep you active and may even give you access to new social opportunities.

One of the main reasons gyms often appear intimidating for older people is because they’re typically designed for younger age groups. Having experienced the sideways glances you get from a room full of young, mostly male powerlifters while trying to figure out how to operate the leg press machine is, well… pass.

The good news is, there are fitness groups and even standalone gyms designed specifically for older people. Club Active is tackling ‘gymtimidation’ by being purpose-built to meet the needs of older Australians.

The exclusive over-50s gym is staffed with exercise physiologists, dieticians, and physiotherapists who work closely with GPs and medical professionals to develop chronic disease management plans and exercise prescriptions tailored to individual needs.

Currently in South-East Queensland, the business is expanding to New South Wales with 10 new facilities planned for 2022 and 100 across Australia by 2025.

Many local councils also offer free fitness classes for older people. Brisbane City Council, for example, holds regular free fitness classes for seniors across the city.

These days, there are plenty of smaller fitness studios and group exercise classes that are perfect for those who want to get in shape or learn new skills without the fear of being judged. Group fitness allows for personalised training without the expense of one-on-one personal training. It also allows you to get to know the people in your group, opening up your social world and giving you incentive to show up even when you’re feeling tired and unmotivated. Many PCYCs also offer fitness classes for older Australians, from active movement classes, to muscle conditioning and even Zumba.

If you need to up your cardio activity but dislike jogging, why not opt for a form of exercise you’ll be able to have fun with at the same time? For many older people, dance classes offer an informal and fun approach to fitness that makes the time fly by. We’ve heard from members who take weekly adult ballet for beginners, Zumba, or salsa classes.

Then there’s swimming, cycling, aqua aerobics, lawn bowls, tennis, and golf—the list is endless. Again, there’s the added benefit of meeting likeminded people and making new friends from all walks of life.

Online fitness videos have been around for years but have really come to the fore during the pandemic, with so many people looking for ways to stay fit without going to the gym. You can find countless online instructional videos for free on YouTube from yoga and Pilates instructors, exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, dance instructors, and more. There are even fantastic resources online for those recovering from illness or injury. If you have an internet connection and a device, the world is your oyster.

If solo workouts suit you best, the good news is it’s now easier and more affordable than ever to set up a workout space in the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking to build strength and bone density, you could look at purchasing a few free weights, a kettle bell and a resistance band. 

If you prefer cardio or aerobic exercise, you could buy or hire a treadmill or exercise bike. Peloton has recently launched in Australia, and while on the pricier side, is well worth checking out. Peloton is a state-of-the-art stationary bike with a screen that allows you to do classes across a variety of disciplines, such as spin classes or trail rides. Your membership even gives you access to yoga, Pilates, meditation and stretching classes, among others. The total bike package costs around $2,645 with a 30-day free trial of the classes available.