Gentle fitness classes
Gentle fitness classes
Easy to follow, low to moderate intensity programs focused on maintaining strength, balance, and wellness. Join your peer group to keep active and have fun!
Learn more about our Gentle Fitness Levels.
Benefits of gentle fitness
A form of exercise that feels good, is safe and the appropriate intensity for your fitness needs.
Reduce pain and maintain body function with exercises that will be modified to work for your body.
Spring & summer registration dates
- 6 a.m. — Online (virtual waiting room opens at 5:30 a.m.)
- 8:30 a.m. — By calling the Customer Service Centre at 403-268-3800 (option 1)
- During business hours — At any City-operated Aquatic & Recreation or Arts facility
Types of gentle fitness classes
Learn more about our Gentle Fitness Levels.
You can register online, in person at our Recreation facilities, or by calling
403-268-3800.
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Participants living with dementia will take part in a mostly seated gentle fitness class. This class is for those who have limited mobility and will focus on fall prevention and strength exercises. Trained staff will provide support and maintain structure throughout each class. Care partners are welcome to provide support and connect with others.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 1 – May be at risk of a fall or use a mobility device, capable of doing 0-15 minutes of continuous activity.
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Stretch, strengthen and align your whole body through safe and comfortable seated and standing yoga poses. All equipment, including a chair, is provided.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 2 - Must be comfortable doing 15-30 minutes of continuous activity
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Improve your balance, strength and flexibility with this lower intensity fitness class that includes seated and standing exercises.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 2 - Must be comfortable doing 15-30 minutes of continuous activity.
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Participate in a low-intensity exercise class to improve your overall well-being. This class offers both seated and standing exercises. Trained staff will provide support and maintain structure throughout each class. Care partners are welcome to provide support and connect with others.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 2 - May have mild-moderate balance and/or mobility concerns. Must be comfortable doing 15-30 minutes of continuous activity.
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Participate in gentle poses using props that support your body and practice breathing techniques that will help you feel more relaxed and release tension. This class is done barefoot.
Age: 13+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 2 - Must be comfortable doing 15-30 minutes of continuous activity and be able to get up from and down to the floor unassisted
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Participate in gentle poses with props that support your body. Trained staff will provide support and maintain structure throughout each class. Care partners are welcome to provide support and connect with others.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 2 - May have mild-moderate balance and/or mobility concerns. Must be comfortable doing 15-30 minutes of continuous activity and be able to get down and up from the floor.
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In a slower-paced class, learn exercises that will help build your bone density and help prevent fall-related injuries. You will work on your balance and strengthen your core, arms and legs.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 3 - Must be comfortable doing 30+ minutes of continuous activity.
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Older adults will Improve their cardio, strength, balance and flexibility through energetic standing exercises.
Age: 50+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 3 - Must be comfortable doing 30+ minutes of continuous, standing activity.
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Be introduced to Neuromuscular Integrative Activity (NIA) movements that combine dance, martial arts and mindfulness to help you feel more connected to your mind, body and spirit. This class is done barefoot.
Age: 13+
Prerequisite: Gentle 3 - Must be comfortable doing 30+ minutes of continuous, standing activity
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Stimulate your energy balance and internal energy (Qi) through basic Qigong principles. You will work on a variety of movements that will take practice and focus.
Age: 13+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 3 - Must be comfortable doing 30+ minutes of continuous activity
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Older adults will stimulate balance and internal energy (Qi) through basic Qigong principles. You will work on a variety of movements that will take practice and focus.
Age: 50+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 3 - Must be comfortable doing 30+ minutes of continuous activity
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Improve your balance, posture and mental awareness through basic Tai Chi movements and principles.
Age: 13+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 3 - Must be comfortable doing 30+ minutes of continuous activity
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Learn to reduce stress and energize their body through a variety of basic yoga poses. Trained staff will provide support and maintain structure throughout each class. Care partners are welcome to provide support and connect with others.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 3 - Must be comfortable doing 30+ minutes of continuous activity and be able to get up from and down to the floor unassisted.
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Care partners will take part in yoga poses that will create a balance between their physical, mental and emotional well-being. You will learn gentle poses and movements to actively care for yourself. This will be run at the same time as Gentle 2 balance & strength for dementia.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Gentle Fitness 3 - Must be comfortable doing 30+ minutes of continuous activity and be able to get up from and down to the floor unassisted.
About our fitness instructors
Our Gentle Fitness classes are led by certified, passionate and caring instructors who have additional training in special conditions. Sessions are geared and adjusted to your level of ability.
What are classes like?
Level 1 classes are mostly seated, with some standing balance work. The focus is on posture and fall prevention.
Level 2 classes offer a choice of seated or standing activities. The focus is on functional capacity and independence.
Level 3 classes are active and on-your-feet. You'll be moving the whole time while avoiding the high impact of general fitness classes.
Come prepared
Please bring:
- Clean, indoor athletic shoes that have not been worn outdoors
- A water bottle to stay hydrated
- A swimsuit for aqua fit classes
More fitness classes
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We have a variety of inspiring fitness classes to help you stay healthy and active in the water or in a studio.
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Take a break from your busy life and dedicate some time for your wellness. Join us on the mat for a variety of Yoga and Pilates programs to connect your mind and body.
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A powerful way of gaining the benefits of an aligned mind, body and spirit.
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Improve your range of motion, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness in our low impact shallow and deep-water aqua fitness programs.