wellness
Free Senior Fitness Programs Gain Momentum Through Keilor Council Support
From gentle yoga at Green Gully Reserve to brisk walks through Brimbank Park, the City of Brimbank is ramping up free exercise options for Keilor’s older residents.
How we reported this
Every Monday morning, a crowd of residents gathers in the cool shade of Green Gully Reserve. Most are over 60, unrolling yoga mats or warming up for a walking group that snakes its way along Taylors Creek. These sessions, part of the City of Brimbank’s free senior fitness initiative, are quickly becoming a cornerstone of Keilor’s wellness scene.
The surge in participation reflects growing health concerns among older residents. As Keilor’s population skews older, the latest Brimbank Council Community Profile notes that nearly 21% of local residents are aged over 60, calls for supportive and accessible exercise have only grown louder. The council’s recent expansion of fitness programs aims to keep seniors active, connected, and out in the fresh air, particularly after several years of social disruption.
Expanding Access Across Keilor
The free fitness calendar spans the suburb. At the Keilor Community Hub on Old Calder Highway, seniors can join chair Pilates on Wednesday mornings and balance training on Fridays, all without prior registration. Up at Green Gully Reserve, a roster of tai chi, yoga, and social walking groups runs on weekdays, rain or shine.
The City of Brimbank, which administers Keilor, introduced the 'Get Active Seniors' program in early 2026. Residents aged 60 and over can attend up to five sessions per week, ranging from low-impact aerobics to strength-building using resistance bands. Classes take place at indoor venues like the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre near Stadium Circuit as well as at outdoor favourites such as Brimbank Park’s Waterways Trail and the lawns behind Keilor Public Library.
A Response to Real Need
National Institute of Ageing figures indicate that just one in three Australians over 65 meet minimum recommended activity levels (at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days). Keilor’s programs are designed to close that gap locally. By eliminating fees, the initiative removes a common barrier to participation: class rates at private fitness studios along Keilor Road typically run $12 to $18 per session, making weekly attendance a luxury for many retirees.
Sessions have seen steady attendance growth since January, council figures show, with the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre logging a 27% rise in senior program participation compared to mid-2025. Council staff note that improvements aren’t just physical; participants report reduced isolation and new friendships emerging between regulars, especially at the midweek walking socials.
Looking ahead, the council plans to trial additional classes in Keilor Downs Reserve and is seeking feedback from current attendees about future offerings, including dance sessions and low-impact circuit training. Residents interested in joining can register via the Brimbank Council website or simply turn up to their local venue with comfortable clothes and a water bottle. Given the strong response so far, Keilor’s network of free senior fitness may only get bigger, and busier, in the months to come.