Fitness classes

Coronavirus information

All our leisure centres are closed due to Covid-19. All memberships, including fitness, swimming and swimming lessons, will be frozen for the period of the closure and direct debit payments will be automatically adjusted. If you have paid up front for any membership, the period of the closure will be added to the end of your contract. While we are closed, we hope you can remain physically active and follow @DurhamThriveActive for help to keep you moving and stay healthy.

Our classes

• Fitness classes
• A-Z of fitness classes

Fitness classes

Our fitness classes are split into three levels depending on the level of intensity - and to suit your level of fitness. Visit our leisure system to book a class or activity online or to find out the latest timetable information - or contact one of our leisure centres for more information. Examples of classes are: 

Active - intensity 1-2

If you're looking for fun and enjoyable starter activities, Active is for you. If you are brand new, returning to exercise, or have been referred by your GP, active classes can help guide you through your pathway to fitness. Some of the classes on offer across the county include:

• gentle aerobics
• gentle circuits
• aqua aerobics
• yoga
• pilates prep

Fit - intensity 2-3

Fit offers classes for people who are looking to get fit and stay fit in a fun and friendly atmosphere. If you want to increase, or maintain, your current level of fitness, fit classes can help you achieve your goals. Some of the classes on offer across the county include:

• aerobics
• aqua Zumba
• boxercise
• bodypump
• steps

Plus - intensity 4-5

Plus offers classes for people who are looking for a challenge. These classes are high intensity for maximum results. If you want to push your fitness to a higher level, plus classes can help you achieve your maximum fitness ambitions. Some of the classes on offer across the county include: 

• boot camp
• Metafit
• MetaPWR
• cycle energy
• functional training
• body combat

A-Z fitness classes

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Aerobics

Get moving and burn calories with this vibrant and energetic class. Move in different directions to the latest music. This class will give your aerobic system a good workout with various levels of intensity throughout.

Beginners Pilates

An introduction to Pilates. Learn the ethics and basic principles before moving forward. Your coach will guide you.

Bodybalance

BODYBALANCE™ is the workout that builds flexibility and strength and leaves you feeling centred and calm. Controlled breathing, concentration and a carefully structured series of stretches, moves and poses to music create a holistic workout that brings the body into a state of harmony and balance. Like all the LES MILLS™ programmes, a new BODYBALANCE™ class is released every three months with new music and choreography.

Bodycombat

Feel strong and empowered with this popular LES MILLS™ class. This fiercely energetic programme is inspired by mixed martial arts and draws from a wide array of disciplines such as karate, boxing, taekwondo, tai chi and muay thai. Like all LES MILLS™ programmes, a new BODYCOMBAT™ class is released every three months with new music and choreography.

Bodypump

The original and highly popular LES MILLS™ barbell class which will sculpt tone and strengthen your entire body. You are sure to feel the burn using a variety of barbell exercises taught by our experienced and knowledgeable instructors to the latest dance music. Barbells are available in various weights. Like all LES MILLS™ programmes, a new BODYPUMP™ class is released every three months with new music and choreography.

Boogie Bounce Extreme

Boogie Bounce Extreme is an exercise programme on a mini trampoline choreographed to chart topping music! Work up a sweat and target your legs, bum and tum. 

Bootcamp

Our instructors will deliver to you a fun and challenging workout by providing a mixture of workouts and cardiovascular training. Your bootcamp session will work the heart and lungs and give almost every muscle in your body a workout. Sessions involve bodyweight exercises, running, stretching, relays and exercises with a partner. Not for the faint hearted.

Boxercise

Channel your inner boxer with this intense, varied workout based on the training concepts boxers use to keep fit. Classes combine skipping, hitting pads and kicking punchbags with aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

Circuits

This all-time favourite class is a great interval training workout. Mix up your routine with a variety of body conditioning and cardio-vascular exercise stations. Circuits work nearly every element of fitness from speed to strength. Our instructors will motivate you when the going gets tough, but be prepared to be challenged.

Core conditioning

Condition the core/abdominals with muscle balancing exercises to motivating music. This challenging class works to tone and condition all major muscles of the torso with the aim of increasing spinal stability - essential for posture and health. Suitable for different ability levels to make sure you achieve your personal goals.

Cross circuit

A Gym based circuit class on our new revolutionary Octane equipment. The Octane is a non-impact machine that simulates stair climbing, walking and running and you can vary the intensity, speed and resistance to suit your needs. Our coaches will motivate and design the class using their imagination and experience to take you from equipment work and free weights to partner work. An all-round winner!

Cyclenergy B

The class is a beginner's route to introduce you to Cyclenergy and is great for those new or returning to exercise. This is a low impact class which will give you the start and fitness you need to progress.

Cyclenergy

Indoor fitness cycling at its best. These highly energetic and vibrant classes will have you in a spin with motivating instructors and varied paced music to compliment your workout. Our bikes are fitted with adjusters to allow you to work at a level to suit you, but be warned our instructors will challenge those who are after an easy ride!

Cyclenergy +

An indoor fitness cycling experience with a twist. The next progression to cyclenergy - a bit more umph!!

Functional training

Power, strength, core stability and balance are all benefits of this functional training class. Train more effectively to increase all aspects of your physical health while having fun. Challenge yourself safely using a variety of exercises and equipment.

Gentle aerobics

Whether you are recovering from an injury, experience difficulties with mobility or are new and returning to exercise then these classes are the ideal way to get moving and burn calories. Instructors will take you through the movements and deliver a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Gentle circuits

This varied class offers you a great mixture of cardiovascular and body conditioning exercises. Our instructors will make sure your exercises are low impact and low intensity, a great class for those who require a less challenging activity.

Gym circuits

Using our gym equipment, experience this class environment in welcoming surroundings. Your coach will take you through a circuit style work.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga will take you through a set of physical exercises, known as asanas or postures, which are designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body, especially the main channel - the spine, so that energy can flow freely. Revitalise yourself with this mind and body experience.

Insanity

INSANITY® turns old-school interval training on its head. You work flat out in 3 to 5 minute blocks - working at maximum capacity through your entire workout. Keep pushing your limits - so your body has to adapt. We have an exciting programme to get you in "insane" shape.

Iyengar Yoga

(In a nutshell) the art, science and philosophy of Iyengar Yoga brings together a person's mind, body and breath to the benefit of his/her organic and holistic wellbeing. We start from the outside of the body and work inwards moving mindfully and progressively through various poses to improve, posture, flexibility, stamina and strength.

Kettlebells

Try this different kind of workout using the famous kettlebell (a cast iron weight). This class uses a variety of functional moves which target almost all activities of fitness including agility, strength, endurance and balance. This is a challenging class with various weight sizes available.

Ladies morning

A sociable exercise morning designed around the participants. Fun and enjoyable for all. With a variation of styles of exercise to cover participants needs.

Legs, bums and tums

Target those problem areas with the traditional legs, bums and tums class. This class uses a variety of equipment and exercises to tone and tighten your legs, bums and tums. Our instructors will provide you with a range of levels of each exercise for you to select according to your ability.

Lifestyle circuits

A combination of cardiovascular and resistant exercises in a circuit based routine, interspersed with some simple aerobics. This low impact class suits any fitness level or ability. Ideal for older people, beginners or those wanting an enjoyable but not too strenuous workout.

Metafit

Home of the original 30 minute metabolic workout that lasts 24 hours. This "back to basic" class uses your own bodyweight rather than equipment. It is an intense workout increasing both anaerobic and aerobic pathways at the same time. This kind of interval training produces better results than aerobic training alone, including building as much muscular endurance as 45 minutes of normal cardio training.

MetaPWR

Building on the original training principles of Metafit, this workout uses functional kit and exercises to work muscle and boost metabolism.

Pilates

Created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s Pilates focuses on strengthening and lengthening. The repertoire of moves will take you through using the core whilst creating your perfect posture/alignment, focusing on breath, neutral/imprint, fluidity and much more. Invigorate yourself with this mind and body experience.

Primetime

An enjoyable class specifically designed to be low impact with changing routines and disciplines. Cardio and strength mixed. It may also involve a social element.

Steps

Step up with this fat burning and energising exercise class. Move across, in front and behind the step to rhythmic beats. Our instructors will make sure you are put through your paces while providing you with variations of the movements to suit your ability. This class is great for improving your co-ordination, balance and all round fitness.

Strength and conditioning

Building together elements of strength, speed, stamina and suppleness in a class environment. Learn the fundamental movement patterns and how to use core stability to develop real strength and power. Class may use body weight or equipment.

Stretch and tone

Our bodies need to be both flexible and strong! Give your body some extra attention in this gentle class designed to lengthen and strengthen your muscles and joints.

Super circuits

A 30 minute controlled coached gym based session. You'll use weights and cardio based equipment in timed circuits finishing with floor work and a nice surprise to close your class. All levels welcome as the machine will be adapted to suit you.

Zumba or Zumba tone

This class fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance-fitness sensation! Zumba® exercise classes are "fitness parties" that blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to follow choreography, for a total body workout that feels like a celebration. Alternatively mix your Zumba with all over toning.

Zumba step

Blend step aerobics with traditional Zumba dancing for an effective workout that targets your legs, glutes and core.

Class etiquette

We kindly request that you follow our group exercise rules to ensure all participants experience a quality class. Please:

• book on to your class in advance as places are limited
• arrive at least five minutes before your class starts, late attendees may be denied entry to the class
• ensure you wear suitable clothing and footwear for your activity
• bring a water bottle and towel to your class
• make yourself known to the instructor if you are new to the class
• ensure you inform the instructor of any illnesses/injuries/health conditions that could affect you safely participating in the class