Exercise Classes for Over 50s and 60s in Polegate, Eastbourne and Hailsham
Starting fitness later in life is one of the best decisions you can make. It can also feel like one of the scariest. Legends is our small-group class for people in their fifties and sixties who are new to exercise, coming back after a long break, or just want to feel strong again.
We're a small-group gym in Polegate, close to Eastbourne and Hailsham. Every Legends session is one hour and coached from start to finish. You get the attention of a personal trainer, in a friendly group.
See a Legends session
Tap play to see what a Legends session looks like.
Who Legends is for
Legends suits you if you:
- are over 50 or 60 and haven't trained for years, or ever
- want gentle strength classes that still feel worthwhile
- feel nervous about "proper gyms"
- want to move well and keep your independence
You don't need to be fit. You don't need to know the equipment. You start where you are.
Living with a long-term condition? Legends works much like an exercise referral class, and no referral is needed. Read more on our arthritis, diabetes and COPD page.
Over 50s and over 60s: what people come for
In your fifties
Many people in their fifties are busy, a bit stiff and wondering where their strength went. Some are starting for the first time. Some are coming back after kids, work or an injury. Legends gives you a steady way back in, with strength work that you can build on week by week.
In your sixties
Often the goals are practical: keeping up with grandchildren, walking further, staying steady on your feet and feeling confident. Legends focuses on strength, balance and moving well, at a pace that suits you.
In your 70s or beyond? You're very welcome too. We've written a separate page for you: exercise classes for over 70s.
What a Legends session looks like
Each session lasts one hour.
Warm-up
Gentle movement to get your joints ready.
Strength work
Simple, controlled exercises such as sit-to-stands, carries, pushes and pulls.
Balance and coordination
Short, practical drills that feel like real life.
Cool-down
Easy stretching, time to catch your breath, and a chat.
Your coach talks you through each move and offers an easier or harder option. If something doesn't feel right, we change it.
Legends sessions: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 11am.
Why strength matters in your fifties and sixties
Muscle and bone respond best when we use them. Without regular strength work, everyday jobs like stairs, shopping bags or getting up from the floor can feel harder.
The UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines recommend that older adults include activities that build strength, balance and flexibility. The NHS advises strengthening activities on at least two days a week, plus balance and coordination work for older adults. The World Health Organization also recommends strength and balance training for older adults.
In plain terms, regular strength and balance training supports the things that keep you independent. Mobility work helps you move comfortably through the range your joints have.
We're coaches, not doctors. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have a medical condition, check with your GP or physio before starting; our coaches will adapt every session.
Legends and Mobility: a good pairing
Our Mobility sessions are the natural partner to Legends. They are one-hour coached classes built for injury prevention and moving well. They're not yoga, not Pilates and not just stretching: foam rolling, band strength work and stretching for an all-round mobility session.
Legends builds strength and confidence. Mobility helps you move more freely. Many people enjoy doing both.
Mobility sessions: Monday at 7:30pm, Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 9am. Both are part of our normal membership: choose 10, 15 or 30 sessions a month and book any session on the timetable, Legends, Mobility or anything else.
How to start
The way in is our 28-Day Kickstart. It includes:
A personalised Group Intro
You meet your coach, talk about your goals, health and worries, and see the gym. No pressure.
Coached small-group sessions
We suggest two a week to begin with.
The nutrition course
Simple and practical.
At day 28 we talk through what comes next. If it isn't for you, no hard feelings.
What happens at your Group Intro
You chat with a coach about your goals and any worries, then try some movements at your own pace so we can tailor your Kickstart to you.
Your Group Intro: a chat about you and your goals, then some movements so we can see your starting point and tailor your 28-Day Kickstart.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- NHS: Physical activity guidelines for older adults (nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-older-adults/)
- UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines, 2019 (gov.uk)
- World Health Organization: WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, 2020 (who.int)