Getting Active And Online!

Aim: To provide daily online exercise classes, designed specifically for older adults, to help them stay healthy, fit and active.

Where it all begin... 

Since December 2020, we've been hosting exercise classes for older adults, aimed at helping them keep active and in doing so to live healthy and independent lives well into old age. The feedback from participants is always positive; they like the flexibility, the range of classes and fact they don't have to leave the house to access them. . 

Classes are open to older adults across Leeds and beyond and are aimed to providing something for each component of a health life and body; flexibility, balance, strength, core, cardio and movement. 

Our current schedule:

We offer 5 classes a week, same day, same time so there is something for everyone!

Monday 6pm Yoga, alternating each week between seated and standing, with Jenny and Sydney. 

Tuesday 12.30, dance with Ascendance dance

5pm Pilates with Sarah

Wednesday Rest day!

Thursday 5pm alternating weekly between cardio and strength, with Tony

Friday 9am Tai Chi for Vitality with Arun e

How it works:

After signing up for classes with their email, participants get sent the schedule every Monday 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!

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?

Just £35  pays for one class. 

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.