Active Health Programme

Supported activity to support your health & wellbeing

YMCA Plymouth offers a range of gentle specialised sessions supported by our friendly & qualified staff, to help people with a range of needs enjoy the benefits of keeping active. 

Who is it for?
These session are for people with a range of specific needs or anyone who feels they need a supportive approach to improving their health & wellbeing. This can include people who have medical condition, those who want to use activity to support their mental health, or those are recovering from an injury or illness.

How it works

To join the programme, you may self-refer via the contact form below or speak to your GP or a social prescriber who can refer you to us. We will then invite you for a consultation to discuss your needs and what session(s) are best suited to you. You may have an idea of what you want to do, or not know where to start, which is completely fine. Our friendly, expert team will help you discuss a suitable structured programme based on your needs with an initial chat. Your first 8 weeks in the programme are entirely free with no further commitment required if you choose not to continue. After the 8 weeks you are offered an affordable discounted 6-month programme which you can choose to take up if you wish. See our full pricing structure below.

Sessions Available

See our sessions below which are tailored to specialised needs, medical conditions and additional support:

Gym Active

Gym-based exercise sessions led by qualified instructors and tailored to your needs. These supported gym sessions use a range of gym equipment as well as body-weight exercises, helping to improve your mobility, strength, heart health and more.

Session times

Tuesday
12:00 – 13:00
17:30  – 18:30 
Wednesday 10:00  – 11:00 
Thursday
09:30 – 10:30
17:30 – 18:30
Friday
10:00 – 11:00 

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Cardiac & COPD Rehabilitation

YMCA Plymouth’s Cardiac Rehab programme is a 12-Week programme for those who have experienced any cardiac problem or a COPD problem. These supportive fitness sessions will help you get back to good health and then help you maintain it.

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Diabetes Exercise Group

A circuit-based session led by a qualified instructor for individuals with diabetes.

Session time
Wednesdays 16:00 – 16:45

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Social Walking

A gentle, sociable way to stay active. Come along and explore the parks and paths of Plymouth while meeting new people. Led by a walk leader, these sessions are perfect for anyone wanting to look after their health in mind and body.

Session time 

Thursdays starting at 11:15 am

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Social Cycle

A friendly, pressure-free and relaxed indoor cycle session at YMCA designed for chatting while you pedal. We keep the background music low so you can easily chat, connect, and socialise with fellow riders, whilst moving at your own comfortable pace. These sessions are completely beginner-friendly, with no indoor cycle experience required.

Session time

Wednesday 16:00 – 16:45

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Move Easy

Helping you move easier and more confidently. This gentle studio-based group fitness class uses functional exercises combined with stretching to improve your mobility, balance and flexibility.

Session time 

Tuesday 16:15 – 17.00

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Easy Active Circuits

An entry-level circuits class for those who are part of our Active Health programme.

Session time
Monday 16:00 – 17:00

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Pricing Structure

Initial 8 weeks (access to all sessions) – Free (no contract/commitment)

Consultation and plan – Free

Then your next 6 months – £16 per month

Then standard membership price - £25.99 

Term and conditions:  You must be a new customer and cannot have held a YMCA membership in the previous 6 months, and you must be referred via your GP or Health Practitioner (for self referrals please contact us). 

FAQs

Do I need a doctor’s referral, or can I self-refer?
Both options are available! We advise getting a referral from your doctor if possible, as this gives you 8 weeks free on the programme. If you prefer to self-refer, you won’t get the 8 weeks free, but you will still get a discounted membership rate of £16 a month for 6 months. To start a self-referral, contact active@ymcaplymouth.org.uk.

What happens when I first join?
Whether you are referred by a healthcare professional or self-refer, a member of our team will reach out to schedule an initial consultation. During this sit-down session, we’ll explain how the programme works, discuss what you can expect, and we’ll help you build a tailored plan that works for you. After that, we’ll get you booked into your chosen sessions to get you started!

What should I wear and bring with me?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and supportive footwear (such as trainers) that allow you to move freely. Don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated! We have water fountains on-site to refill your bottle throughout your visit.

What if I’ve never been to a gym or don’t know how to use the equipment?

Our friendly trainers will be right by your side to walk you through everything step-by-step. During your initial consultation and first sessions, we will show you exactly how to use all the equipment safely and comfortably. If you ever have a question or feel unsure about a machine, please don’t hesitate to ask!

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