Where it all begin...
Since December 2020, we've been hosting free exercise classes for older adults every week, all in the name of allowing people to keep active and socialising despite restrictions. We've found from participants that they like the flexibility, reduced time commitment and ease of online classes, so they're here to stay.
Classes are open to older adults across Leeds and beyond and include everything from yoga and tai chi to chair-based exercise, cardio and even strength conditioning.
Our current schedule:
We offer 5 classes a week, same day, same time so there is something for everyone!
Monday 6:30pm Yoga For ~Flexibility with Sydney
Tuesday 5pm Pilates with Sarah
Wednesday 11am Cardio with Tony followed by an Intergenerational Zoom Cafe
Thursday 5pm Seated and Standing Yoga with Jenny
Friday 10am Tai Chi for Vitality with Arun followed by an Intergenerational Zoom Cafe
How it works:
After signing up for classes with their email, participants get sent the schedule every Friday which contains the Zoom Links for the following week's classes. For anyone not confident with getting online we run Digital Inclusion Drop-Ins at community venues across Leeds where older adults can learn how to get online and gain confidence with their phones, laptops and tablets. We also offer some classes as a hybrid so offering them in person as well as streaming online to get as many people involved as possible!
Twice a week, classes are followed by a ‘Intergenerational Zoom Café’ which allows participants to stay on the call and get to know each other as they would in a real class. These are hosted by our trained student volunteers who help guide the conversation and sometimes organise fun quizzes and activities! In addition, pre-recorded versions of the classes are available to watch anytime on our YouTube channel, Getting Active and Online.
We also organise Health and Wellbeing Webinars where we invite industry professionals, academics and more to deliver talks on a variety of topics including How to Deal With Stress, Nutrition as You Age and the benefits of Exercise!
If you'd like to receive the links to the classes, you can sign up here!
Outcomes to date:
- We have an average attendance of 10 people per class.
- 100% of participants have seen improvements in their physical, mental and emotional health
- 73% have said that since joining our online classes they have gained more confidence to get involved in other community activities
- Over 17% agree that since joining these classes they have felt more empowered to access support services
Feedback from the class attendees:
- “I always feel more alive, brighter and happier after doing a class”
- “It is just great to be moving with company. I have really enjoyed trying something new”
- “Thanks for all you've been doing for us, it's made a big difference to me!”
- “Fantastic classes! They certainly help with physical and mental well-being”.
- “I much prefer doing Zoom classes at home than going somewhere as I have communication issues"
- "Having daily exercises to attend at a regular time means I can fit them into my daily life. Left to my own devices I never fit in any exercise. As they are different each day it also gives me access to a wide range of exercise. Meeting other people online we also look out for each other and miss people when they don't attend. GAAO then try to contact people if they haven't heard from them for a while and this gives me a sense of security knowing people care and will check up on you, in a good way."
Why we are Crowdfunding:
A big part of the Your Back Yard ethos is making the activity accessible for all. Rather than charge everyone per class, a pay-as-you-feel approach means anyone can attend, regardless of financial circumstances.
What does my money get?
£55 pays for a class (£40) followed by an Intergenerational Zoom cafe (£15) for up to 50 people. That said, any amount donated will directly go towards a complete session!
What if I can't support financially?
Other ways you can help:
- Sharing the crowdfunder on social media, or telling your friends about it.
- Attending the classes and sending us your feedback.