press release
Published: 01 July 2024

Women-only fitness classes among Surrey Sports Park’s offer for the community

A series of accessible sporting activities have popped up around Guildford, thanks to Surrey Sports Park’s community initiatives. 

Women pose with boxing gloves during exercise class

In recent months, teams have also delivered sports for teenagers to reduce anti-social behaviour.  

Financial hardship has increased in Guildford, so fewer people can afford a gym membership or specialist classes.

We also know that physical activity levels haven’t got back to where they were before COVID, and this is worse in less advantaged areas.

With the support of Sport England, Guildford Borough Council, Active Surrey and other community partners we’ve managed to deliver some great health outcomes with 97% of those attending stating their physical health had improved. Carly Pearson, Active Wellbeing Manager at Surrey Sports Park
carly pearson portrait
Women and babies taking part in yoga
Coming to the sessions has meant I can take time to bond with my baby at the yoga and I could take some dedicated time to exercise with a motivating trainer who could make sure I was doing it safely.

I have had depression since pre-pregnancy and I suffered with the isolation of maternity leave with my first baby. This time around I was starting to feel isolated and finding things difficult again but the weeks I attended the sessions, I saw a massive improvement.

Although tiring, my mental health was markedly improved for the rest of the week and I felt I could cope a lot better with everything. Participant in post-natal exercise class

Other initiatives include:  

  • Pre- and post-natal classes including fitness, yoga and swimming, funded by Sport England and delivered on behalf of Guildford Borough Council.  
  • Community fitness classes at St Peter’s Church Hall in Bellfields, funded by the Voluntary Action South West Surrey Sparks Fund.  
  • Free women-only English tuition and pilates at Emmanuel Church in Guildford, funded by Sport England in partnership with Active Surrey, Activate Learning and Guildford Borough Council.  

To find out more about Surrey Sports Park Community programmes email communitywellbeing@surreysportspark.co.uk 

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