Exercise facilities in Newcastle

It can be difficult to face the thought of exercise when you have arthritis but if you can manage to move around more it can actually reduce your pain and symptoms. Exercise also makes you feel good both mentally and physically – honestly, it does. We’ve put together some of the exercise options for you to look at in and around Newcastle. Before starting any new activities it’s well worth speaking to your rheumatology team first so they can guide you towards the best forms of exercise for your personal circumstances.

Leisure centres

The former council-run leisure centres are now operated by GLL, a not-for-profit charitable social enterprise, under the brand “Better”.

Alison Westworth, GLL’s Newcastle Partnership Manager, says: “All our centres are fully accessible. All centres offer Fitness class taster sessions – these are free and are designed for people who are new to exercise or feeling anxious about it. They are low impact and great for beginners.”

GLL runs the following centres in Newcastle:
• East End Pool in Byker offering: Gym, Exercise classes, Swim and swimming lessons
• Gosforth leisure centre in Gosforth offering: Gym, Exercise classes, Swim and swimming lessons
• Walker Activity Dome in Walker offering: Squash, Badminton, Sports Hall hire and Outdoor football courts
• Newcastle Trampoline park and Gym on the West Road offering: Gym, Exercise classes, Outdoor pitches, trampoline sessions and soft play
• West Denton Leisure Centre in West Denton offering: Gym, Exercise classes, Outdoor pitches and 3G courts, sports hall activities.
For more information on these centres, go to Better

Disability Sport North Tyneside

Disability Sport North Tyneside aims to increase participation of disabled people in sport and physical activity across the borough and surrounding area. They offer a wide range of sporting opportunities which include; Archery, Badminton, Boccia, Football, Swimming, Multi-sport, Trampoline & Rebound Therapy sessions.
For more information go to Sport North Tyneside’s Disability Sport page.

Tailored Leisure

Tailored Leisure, run by Tara Johnson, from South Tyneside, offers a FREE online seated exercise programme taster course for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions such as arthritis.
You can choose from Relaxing Iyengar Yoga, Strength-Building Arm Exercise and Feel-Good Boxercise.
Find out more here.

Motion North East

Motion North East is a non-profit organisation which offers 1-1 gym-based and remote personal training, specialising in working with people with disabilities and medical conditions.
Director Jonathan Baker says: “I have vast experience working with people from all walks of life, supporting a wide range of medical conditions. My training will help to improve quality of life, health, fitness and wellbeing. Above all I strive to promote inclusion to exercise for all.
“Working closely with the charity Disability North and Ways to Wellness I help support people of all ages, backgrounds and physical abilities.
“Exercise and fitness is for everyone. Sometimes people just need that support and a guiding hand.”
For more information go to their website.

North East NRAS Group (Newcastle)

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has a group based in Newcastle and runs two exercise sessions:
Mondays – Swimming sessions are held every Monday at Gosforth Swimming Pool, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. This pool is close by the Regent Centre Metro. The sessions run from 10:00 to 11:00am. The cost is £3.00 per session. For information contact 07521 762 387.
Fridays – Tai Chi sessions each Friday morning at 11:45am in South Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. Limited places. For information please contact the instructor on 0191 236 7150.
For more information about the NRAS Group in Newcastle go to their website.

Dance City

Dance City is right in the heart of Newcastle and also has another base in Sunderland. They offer a huge range of classes, from ballroom to hip hop to Egyptian belly dancing!
Classes are inclusive for people with disabilities – Dance City says: “Everyone is welcome to any of our classes and we will work with you to meet your access needs. If you can, please discuss your access requirements before the class with the Ticket Office. We also have specific classes for those with additional needs; please speak to the Ticket Office for more details.”
Find more information about Dance City here.

Northumbria Walking Group

The Northumbria Walking Group was originally founded for younger people but has no age limit. Members are based in Newcastle and the surrounding areas. Walks range from short 5-8 mile easy rambles to longer 11-16 mile full-day hill walks. There are often trips out to the surrounding countryside and beyond, and there are social events too.
To find out more go to Northumbria Walking Group

Newcastle Sports Injury Clinic

If you are struggling to exercise due to your arthritis, it may be worth seeking help.
The Newcastle Sports Injury Clinic says it can advise on an exercise routine that will give you the confidence and joint strength you need.
A spokesman for the clinic says: “At Newcastle Sports Injury Clinic, we have many years’ experience of helping arthritis sufferers to live fulfilling, active lives.
“People with arthritis are sometimes reluctant to exercise, believing it will cause more damage to their joints. But the body is designed to move. Remaining active, even after an arthritis diagnosis, can help to prolong the life of your joints.
“You need a strong combination of stretching, fitness and strength exercises, preferably those which will work your whole body.
“We can also help if you have a specific condition, such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
“By working with you, our specialists can help you to regain confidence in your body, stay mobile and live life to the full.”
However, it’s not cheap – we’re talking at least £55 for an assessment session and £45 for a treatment session.
Find out more here.

Physiotherapy

If the Newcastle Sports Clinic is out of your price range, you can access physiotherapy through the NHS. Your rheumatology doctor or nurse can refer to physiotherapy. Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Service accepts referrals from the Rheumatology Services in Gateshead and Newcastle for patients living in Gateshead and Newcastle diagnosed with rheumatological conditions.
A physiotherapist can help you to gain confidence exercising. They can educate, advise and help you to choose a suitable sports and exercise programme for your individual challenges.

Arthur’s Place links:

Think exercise with arthritis is out? Think again! Thanks to slowly doing more exercise I can do more than I thought, and feel more in charge of my arthritis
My exercise vibe is full, varied and paced to suit how I’m feeling (mostly!)
Apps hub – Get Yourself Fitter