Croydon Council Opens 50+ Group Exercise Classes Across Leisure Centers

Residents across Croydon are flocking to council-run leisure centres for group exercise classes, with local venues from Thornton Heath to Waddon offering daily sessions open to everyone, and prices starting as low as £6 per class for locals with a Croydon My Account card.

The surge in attendance comes as community fitness regains momentum post-pandemic, with residents seeking the motivation (and camaraderie) that group exercise brings. According to local centre managers, people of all ages are returning to everything from circuit training to Pilates, spurred by both the social side and the affordable pricing compared to private gyms. With Croydon Council re-investing in leisure services after several lockdown winters, the range of classes and time slots has expanded since 2023.

Where to Move: Croydon's Council Facilities

New Addington Leisure Centre on Central Parade has become a major hub for group exercise on the east side of the borough. The weekly schedule features classic yoga, spinning, Aqua Aerobics in their recently refurbished pool, and energetic Body Combat sessions. On the other side of town, Waddon Leisure Centre on Purley Way pairs group cycling with Les Mills classes and parents-and-babies Pilates on Thursday mornings. Both centres are managed by Better, the trading name of GLL, under contract from Croydon Council, and accept Croydon My Account cards for discounted access.

The South Norwood Leisure Centre, just off Portland Road, has its dance studio buzzing most evenings with Zumba and body conditioning. All council-run centres publish class timetables in advance on their websites. Notably, most classes run year-round, with extra outdoor sessions popping up during July and August in Lloyd Park and Grangewood Park thanks to the council’s Active Outdoors initiative.

What It Costs & Who’s Taking Part

According to figures provided by Better for January to May 2026, attendance at Croydon’s council leisure centres rose by 14% compared to the same period last year. Single group class passes typically cost £7.50 for adults (or £6 with the Croydon My Account discount) as of July 2026; concessions are available for seniors, teens, and those on eligible benefits. Class access is free for those with a Better Health Centre membership, which starts at £32 per month.

You’ll find participants ranging from teenagers to octogenarians, particularly at mixed-ability sessions and the popular Friday Silver Circuits for over-60s at Thornton Heath. The variety of classes, coupled with pay-as-you-go options and concession rates, has helped maintain Croydon’s reputation as a borough for active living. (Croydon Council estimates that 53% of adult residents took part in some form of organised physical activity in 2025.)

How to Join & What’s Next

Most group exercise sessions are bookable online up to seven days in advance via the Better app or the council’s leisure website, with some walk-in spaces held back for last-minute arrivals. Staff at the main entrances on Purley Way and Central Parade can also help set up a Croydon My Account for first-timers, which unlocks the resident discount rate.

This summer, the council is piloting an extended class schedule on weekends and planning more outdoor bootcamps in green spaces like Ashburton Park. Whether you’re new to exercise or have lost motivation, council-run group classes offer a practical, supportive route to a fitter, more connected Croydon. For personal advice or adaptations, always consult a local health professional before starting a new class.