Women's-only fitness classes launched in Guildford

The community initiatives from Surrey Sports Park has led to accessible sport activities in Guildford

Accessible free fitness classes for women have been introduced in Guildford after a sports centre recognised a "financial hardship" increase in the town.

The sporting activities have been made possible by Surrey Sports Park's latest community initiatives.

In recent months, teams have also delivered sports for teenagers to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Carly Pearson, active wellbeing manager at Surrey Sports Park, said: “With the support of Sport England, Guildford Borough Council, Active Surrey and other community partners we’ve managed to deliver some great health outcomes."

Ms Pearson said 97% of those attending the activities have said their physical health had improved.

She added: "Financial hardship has increased in Guildford, so fewer people can afford a gym membership or specialist classes.

"We also know that physical activity levels haven’t got back to where they were before Covid, and this is worse in less advantaged areas."

An anonymous participant in a post-natal exercise class told the sports park: "I have had depression since pre-pregnancy and I suffered with the isolation of maternity leave with my first baby.

"This time around I was starting to feel isolated and finding things difficult again but the weeks I attended the sessions, I saw a massive improvement.

"Although tiring, my mental health was markedly improved for the rest of the week and I felt I could cope a lot better with everything."

Surrey Sport Park is located on the Manor campus of the University of Surrey.

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