Croydon Launches Free Tool to Find Exercise Classes Nearby

Croydon has launched a free physical activity finder tool on JustBeCroydon.org to help residents locate hundreds of free and low-cost exercise classes such as football, belly dancing and swimming across the borough.

Why the tool matters locally

Local data shows only 15.3% of Croydon residents exercise at least three days a week, below the national average. National trends for 2026 highlight AI-powered training and walking activities including Japanese walking and walking yoga, yet the borough's participation figure remains low. The finder tool provides direct access to existing classes without requiring residents to search multiple sites.

Outdoor fitness expansion

The borough is expanding its outdoor fitness infrastructure with a new free outdoor gym at Purley Way Playing Fields in Waddon. This forms part of a £370,000 Council investment to create five active outdoor spaces. The facility adds to options already listed through the activity finder and supports residents seeking no-cost venues close to home.

Additional local programmes

Reformer Pilates is a growing local trend in Croydon, with new facilities like the Back in Shape Clinic now offering classes after previously being hard to find in the area. GoodGym is launching a Croydon-specific running community in May to combine fitness with community volunteering, backed by the Council as part of its Heart Town initiative against heart disease. Both programmes can be located or promoted through the new finder tool on JustBeCroydon.org.

Practical next steps

Residents can visit JustBeCroydon.org to search the activity finder for classes matching their preferred time, location and cost. The tool covers sessions across the borough and directs users to free or low-cost options already operating locally. Those interested in the outdoor gym at Purley Way Playing Fields in Waddon or the upcoming GoodGym runs can check the same site for updates on availability and joining details.