Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Gentle Exercise

 

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Gentle Exercise

This resource sheet includes a selection of services, tools, and organisations that others have found helpful.

If you require further support in accessing these, or other services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact us via our online form.

healthy-walks

 

Social Prescribing is available at your GP Surgery

If you live in Bridport, Beaminster, Lyme Regis or the wider West Dorset area, you can speak directly with our Social Prescribers and Care Coordinators - no referral needed.

  • Support with finances
  • Getting Active
  • Hobbies and Interests
  • Connecting to Community
  • Supporting wellbeing
  • Help with Long Term Conditions

Bridport Leisure Centre

‘Active Wellbeing’.  Low-impact, strength-building classes for all fitness levels. No floor work and can be done with a chair.

Website: Visit the Bridport Leisure Centre website

Classes:

Day Activity Time
Monday Pickleball 8.00–9.00
  Badminton 9.00–10.00
  Aqua Wellbeing 9.00–9.45
  Short tennis 10.00–11.00
  Fitness 11.15–12.15
Tuesday Short tennis 8.30–10.00
  Use it or lose it 15.00–16.00
Wednesday Pickle Ball 7.45–8.45
  Pickle Ball 8.45–9.45
  Kinesis 9.00–10.00
  Badminton 10.00–11.00
  Fitness 11.15–12.15
  Walking Netball 12.15–13.15
  Chronic Pain Mgt 13.15–14.15
  Aqua Wellbeing 14.30–15.15
Thursday Pickleball 8.00–9.00
  Use it or lose it 9.00–10.00
  Badminton 11.15–12.15
  Short tennis 11.15–12.15
  Aqua Wellbeing 14.30–15.15
Saturday Pickleball 8.00–9.00

Tripudio

Gentle movement system focusing on the fluid systems of the body. Stretching, non-weight bearing strengthening, and low impact dance moves. Classes across West Dorset and via Zoom.

Website: Visit the Tripudio website

Contact:
juliagardenstudio@gmail.com / 07734 511287
forresterjones.k@gmail.com / 07572 543781
patriciawiliams.tms@gmail.com / 07443 945121 (Lyme and Charmouth)

Yoga for Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s and Arthritis / Limited Mobility

Inclusive gentle classes. Yellow Room, Chapel in the Garden. Thursdays 11.00–12.00 noon.

Venue: Chapel in the Garden, 49 East Street, Bridport DT6 3JX (View map)

Email: Email Yoga for Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s and Arthritis / Limited Mobility

Yoga4Pain

Gentle Yoga with tea, coffee and social support. Tuesdays 2.00–3.30 in Uplyme.

Venue: Uplyme Scout Hall, Rhode Lane, Uplyme, DT7 3TX (View map)

Phone: 07973 600382

Website: Visit the Yoga4Pain website

Email: Email Yoga4Pain

Flamingo Community and Hydrotherapy Pool

A regular 25m swimming pool plus a 6 sqm hydrotherapy pool with hoist and wide shallow steps.  Regular swimming sessions and the hydrotherapy pool is bookable in 1 hour slots.

Website: Visit the Flamingo Community and Hydrotherapy Pool website

Telephone: 01297 358000

Venue: Lyme Road, Axminster, EX13 5AZ (View map)

Age UK 

Seated Vitality Exercise classes in Dorchester.  Gentle exercises designed to confidence, stability, mobility and balance.  Pre-booking required.

When: Mondays 1.30pm 2.30pm, Dorchester YMCA, Sawmills Lane DT12RZ (View map)

Telephone: 01305 269444

Email: Email Age UK

Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre

Hanover House, Chard Street, EX13 5DZ  (View map)

Afternoon Chair Yoga with Lucy Brown

TaiChi/QiGong with Si

The Glow Collective

Unit 15, St Michaels Trading estate, Bridport DT6 3RB (View map)

Website: Visit the The Glow Collective website

Gentle Pilates

Qigong with Leaon

The Henhayes Centre

South Street Car Park, Crewekerne Somerset TA18 8DA (View map)

Telephone: 01460 74340

Email: Email The Henhayes Centre

Website: Visit the The Henhayes Centre website 

Physio Fit

  • Chair based exercise for all abilities
  • When: Monday 9.30am to 1.30pm / Thursday 10.30am to 11.30am

Pilates

  • All abilities
  • When: Monday 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Yoga

  • Mixed class for beginners and improvers
  • When: Thursday 9.00am to 10.15am

Dementia -  Tai Chi

  • Aimed at those living with memory loss alongside their carers
  • When: Third Thursday of the month 1.30pm to1.30pm.

Chair yoga

  • Accessible to everyone
  • When: Wednesday 9.30am to 10.30am /Friday 9.15am 10.15am

Home Exercise

If you find it difficult to get out you can do a workout at home via the internet – you can search online or use youtube.

One option is an NHS approved chair based programme which takes just 10 minutes and is suitable for all abilities.

Website: Visit the Home Exercise website

Health Hub South West

Health & Wellness Coaching tailored for people aged 50 and over. Group classes, private coaching and online sessions available in Bridport, Dorchester and Weymouth.

Website:  Visit the Health Hub South West website

Email:  Email the Health Hub South West

Phone:  01308 423205

Health Walks

Short walks for all abilities, led by trained volunteers. Social and accessible. Locations across West Dorset.

Website: Visit the Health Walks website

Contact: Bridport Leisure Centre – 01308 427464

Lyme Regis Bowling Club

Friendly, welcoming club offering indoor and outdoor bowls.

Venue: Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3LS (View map)

Phone: 01297 442548

Seated Exercise with Age UK

Chair-based gentle exercise suitable for all abilities.

Venue: Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis – various venues. Contact for details.

Phone: Age UK North, South and West Dorset – 01305 269444

Tai Chi – Bridport

Gentle martial arts-based exercise focusing on balance, flexibility and relaxation.

Venue: Bridport Leisure Centre, Brewery Fields, Bridport, DT6 5LN (View map)

Phone: 01308 427464

Water Based Exercise – Aqua Wellbeing

Gentle, low-impact exercise in water. Supports mobility and reduces joint strain.

Venue: Bridport Leisure Centre, Brewery Fields, Bridport, DT6 5LN (View map)

Phone: 01308 427464

 

Further Information

While we hope you may find something here that supports you, please note that these resources are not all officially endorsed by the NHS. We endeavour to ensure that all listings are accurate and up to date, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this at all times.

If you are a local service, organisation or group that would like to be included in this guide, please contact us via secure online form or call the PCN Admin Team on 01308 801810 and tell us about your support offering.

Last updated: July 2025.