Why group fitness works

Dr Alexandra Williams, a GP, health assessment doctor and personal trainer, provided a personal perspective on the benefits of group exercise for the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine, an organisation for medical practitioners and allied healthcare professionals who work, or have an interest in sport and exercise medicine.

She said: “Attending classes motivates you in a way that exercising on your own cannot do. It is common to struggle with motivation to exercise or even to leave the sofa at some point, however, the benefit of an exercise class means you are always rewarded with something positive; whether that’s a smile after talking to a new or old friend, weight-lifting a personal best, hearing uplifting music or feeling part of a community. 

“Partaking in exercise as a collective group inspires you, humbles you, makes you laugh and provides the social interaction that we innately search for as humans.”

Along with this new-found motivation, you also have expert guidance as every class is led by a qualified trainer, keeping your form correct and your goals in focus. 

From high-energy cardio to calming yoga, each class is designed to challenge and inspire you, while taking away the dread of building your own workout routine.

The types of group fitness classes at Bolton Arena

Ready to get your class on? We offer a full timetable of group fitness classes to suit every level, schedule and goal.

Here’s how we can help you stay engaged and making the progress you want:

  • Small group classes: All of our classes are set to a max number of attendees so you won’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of people in the group.
  • Beginner group fitness classes: All of our classes are tailored to you! So if you’re a beginner, just let your trainer know and they’ll be able to give you modifications to intermediate and advanced movements.
  • 1-to-1 and 2-to-1 gym introductions: We also offer gym introductions to new members which can be on a 1-to-1 basis or 2-to-1 basis if you’ve joined with someone.
View our timetable to get a feel for our classes
older woman doing an exercise class

What group fitness classes do we offer?

We have 50 instructor-led classes and 30 Les Mills Virtual classes held each week at Bolton Arena Community Sports Village, including:

Your next step starts here

Ready to join? Take the first step to a stronger, fitter you. Whether you’re looking for a small group fitness class or ready to dive into something new, Bolton Arena has the perfect fit for you.

Not sure if you want to commit?

No problem! You can try out our facilities for 3 full days absolutely free. Experience everything we offer, from the gym, sauna, and steam room to studio classes and the athletics track.

Simply sign up, and come down. A friendly member of our team will be there to show you the ropes and help you get started.

Claim your 3 day free pass

FAQs

We host 80 classes each week – 50 led by expert instructors in our own studio, in addition to 30 virtual classes by world renowned fitness experts, Les Mills. With a range that stretches from Yoga to BodyCombat, to Zumba, there’s truly something for everyone.

Yes, we strongly advise you to book in advance – especially for popular classes – via the Bolton Arena app or website.

There’s something for everyone among our classes. With 50 led by our expert instructors in our own studio, as well as 30 virtual classes by world renowned fitness experts, Les Mills, there’s too many to list here. But to give you a flavour, they include Zumba, Pilates, Spin, Yoga, HIIT Step, Trim and Tone, Boogie Bounce, MOTIV8, and MOTIV8 lite. All our classes are tailored to you, so, if you’re a beginner, just let your instructor know and they’ll be able to give you modifications to intermediate and advanced movements.

Yes, they can with a pay-as-you-go class pass that usually costs £5 per session. We strongly advise you to book in advance – especially for popular classes – via the Bolton Arena app or portal.

Yes, you can with a pay-as-you-go class pass that usually costs £5 per session. We strongly advise you to book in advance – especially for popular classes – via the Bolton Arena app or website. Please note, we have a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ policy in place, to avoid people overbooking and then not turning up, which allows for better availability.

No, all the standard equipment you need is supplied, except yoga mats etc. Just come along in suitable workout attire with your mat if it’s needed. And don’t forget to book in advance – especially for popular classes – via our app or website.

No, sadly they’re not. They are, however, included in our Arena All Inclusive membership, Arena Corporate membership, Arena Joint membership, and Arena Over 65’s membership, as well as our student and teen (16-17) memberships. Don’t forget to book in advance – especially for popular classes – via the Bolton Arena app or website. Please note, we have a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ policy to avoid people overbooking and then not turning up. This allows for better availability for our members.

Most of our classes are held in our gym studio but we do have plenty of activities that take place outside on our floodlit sports pitches and the 400m athletics track that plays host to Horwich and Lostock Harriers, private running groups, and coaching sessions. We also have a Community Run Group, which is suitable for all paces and abilities and a great way to meet other local runners, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise.

Yes, you can rest assured all our instructors have the appropriate qualifications for their specialisms, so you’re in good hands.

Class times vary between 30 and 60 minutes. An intense class such as MOTIV8 Blast lasts 30 minutes while a Yoga class is typically 60 minutes.

Meet the team

Our Charitable Impact

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Bolton Arena Community Sports Village is a trading name for Middlebrook Leisure Trust which is a registered charity.

It is our mission to inspire people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to follow a lifelong passion for sport and healthy lifestyles through the provision of excellent sport & exercise facilities and sports programmes which are accessible to all.

Governed by a board of trustees, surplus revenues are reinvested into the facility, activities to benefit the local community.

Our Charitable Impact

runners resting on a slope