Fitness Programs

Top view of fitness equipment including weights and a mat

Find the right class for you. We offer many classes to fit your needs and abilities. Our instructors are certified specialists with extensive training.

megaphoneWinter 2 Registration Details

Winter 2 Aquatics: Registration opens January 20, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.
Winter 2 Programs/Fitness: Registration opens January 21, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

 Learn more about session dates, how to register and more on our registration page.

a person doing a plank
Winter 2 Fitness Session
The Winter 1 Session is running until February 2, 2025. The Winter 2 Session runs from Monday February 3 to Sunday April 20, 2025. Registration for Winter 2 opens on Tuesday January 21.  Registration for fitness classes is ongoing as long as space permits. Discover all the classes we offer and see you there!
fitness gear, shoes, towel, mat, water bottle
Ready, Set, Sweat: Gear to bring to your Fitness Class
Maximize your fitness class experience by coming prepared! Here’s a quick guide on what to bring, along with what we provide to ensure you're ready.
Group of three people stretching
Fitness Capacities and Safety
Fitness capacities are essential to ensuring a safe, accessible, fun experience for everyone.  Each fitness class has a fitness classification listed under the description which determines the participant capacity of the class.

Winter 2 Fitness Classes Description and Schedules

Our Winter 2 session runs from February 3, 2025 to April 20, 2025. Check out our class description and times below. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate, unless otherwise noted. Drop-in spaces are limited, please call to confirm.

Register for fitness classes 

All fitness classes take place at the Town Park Recreation Centre.

Fitness classes are cancelled on the following dates: February 17, February 22, March 10 to 14, and April 18.

Band, Ball and Balance

This class offers a variety of exercises using a range of equipment (resistance bands, free weights, stability ball and floor mats). Class incorporates balance training, muscle strengthening, stretching and relaxation for a full body experience. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ball. 
  • Age: 18+
  • Wednesdays: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

Chair Yoga (55+)

Chair Yoga is a gentle class adapting yoga poses with a chair. This class cultivates awareness and deep relaxation through meditation, breath work, and gentle stretches.

  • Age: 55+
  • Tuesdays: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

Circuit Training

An efficient workout that integrates strength, balance, cardio, and a stretch at the end. Circuit training is a total body challenge that is designed to target strength building and improve muscular endurance through various body weight exercises.

  • Age: 18+
  • Thursdays: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Deep Stretch

Increase your flexibility to improve posture and mobility through a variety of stretches and poses, while bringing balance to your mind and body.

  • Age: 18+
  • Mondays: 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Functional Fitness Level 1 (55+)

This class is for those who have limited mobility and want to focus on range of motion, strengthening major muscle groups, and improving balance. Chairs will be available for those who need them; however, they will not be used for the entire duration of class. Through the use of yoga balls, resistance bands and light weights you will gain strength and confidence in your abilities and improve your day-to-day life! 

  • Age: 55+
  • Tuesdays: 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Thursdays: 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Functional Fitness Level 2 (55+)

This class is for those who have limited mobility and want to focus on range of motion, strengthening major muscle groups, and improving balance. Chairs will be available for those who need them; however, they will not be used for the entire duration of class. Through the use of yoga balls, resistance bands and light weights you will gain strength and confidence in your abilities and improve your day-to-day life! 

  • Age: 55+
  • Tuesdays: 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Thursdays: 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Gentle Pilates

Pilates is low-impact exercise modality that is accessible, requires little equipment, and builds strength while helping you form a connection with your body. It blends strength and flexibility to assist in finding a new way to move from your powerhouse, the deep core muscles. It promotes postural alignment which helps with core stability and engagement. It facilitates mind-body awareness, helping you move with greater strength, ease, and awareness in everything you do.
  • Age: 18+
  • Fridays: 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16 

Gentle Stretch and Core

Prepare yourself for the day with full body dynamic mobility stretches that help improve flexibility, reduce tightness, and strengthen your core.

  • Age: 18+
  • Fridays: 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

Gentle Yoga Flow

Gentle Flow Yoga is a practice of poses in a sequence which forms a gradual flow into the deeper aspect of the stretch to connect with your body, improve flexibility, strength, and overall health. This class is less intense than a Flow Yoga class and focuses on slow, thoughtful movements which are accessible to all levels. Bolsters are used in every practice.

  • Age: 18+
  • Fridays: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)

This class will take you beyond the burn of a regular workout by using interval training and high intensity work. HIIT involves quick, intense cardio and strength bursts followed by short recovery periods. We will use your body weight as well as resistance equipment during the workout  (squats, planks, lunges, push ups, bicep curls, rows, etc). Modifications for low impact or high impact. This full body workout Includes warm up, cool down, balance training and stretching and relaxation.   You will get a great workout and the time will go by fast! Come feel awesome with us!

  • Age: 18+
  • Wednesdays: 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Intuitive Body Tuning

A moderate paced - integrated practice that creatively combines aspects of Pranayama (breathwork), Vinyasa (flow) yoga, Kundalini yoga (dynamic movement, bandhas & meditation) and Yin yoga (floor postures). This is a wonderful practice to develop the relationship with your breath and fine-tune the instrument of the body. Intuitive Body Tuning will help you "tune in" to your body's messages, work through stagnant energy and tension in the body and leave you feeling open, relaxed and refreshed. 

  • Age: 18+
  • Wednesdays: 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

Line Dancing

Enjoy music and movement during this beginner level Line Dancing class. Join your friends and dance along to repeating sequences of steps while arranged in one or more rows.

  • Age: 18+
  • Mondays: 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is the yoga of awareness, an innately creative practice that is suitable for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. It is an Infinite toolkit of yogic modalities including breathing exercises, postures, dynamic movement, mantra (chanting), and meditation that assists us in becoming more autonomous: self-regulated, self-empowered and self-aware. At its essence, the techniques in Kundalini Yoga help you to connect more deeply with yourself, and become more fully present and aware in each moment. No previous experience with yoga required.

  • Age: 18+
  • Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16  

Low and Slow Yoga

This yoga class is designed to unwind your body and mind through intentional and slow movement. Gently flow through this class to increase flexibility, mobility, and improve strength. This class is open to all levels.

  • Age: 18+
  • Saturdays: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

Muscle Strengthening and Conditioning - Entry Level

Using small weights and your own body weight, participants will go through a series of exercises to help improve posture, strengthen muscles and learn to stretch correctly to benefit the entire body.

  • Age: 18+
  • Wednesdays: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Muscle Strengthening and Conditioning

Using small weights and your own body weight, participants will go through a series of exercises to help improve posture, strengthen muscles and learn to stretch correctly to benefit the entire body.

  • Age: 18+
  • Tuesdays: 8:05 a.m. to 9:05 a.m.
  • Tuesdays: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 8:05 a.m. to 9:05 a.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Music, Movement, and Mindfulness (55+)

Leave your worries behind as you are immersed in a class that focuses on awareness and breath, while combining gentle stretches choreographed to beautiful music. Each class incorporates stretching, breath work, a little dance movement and a gratitude meditation, all while being comfortably seated in a chair.
This course is for individuals aged 55 and older.

  • Age: 18+
  • Mondays: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Mondays: 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Pilates Matwork

Dive Deeper into the principles of the Pilates method with 'Pilates Matwork'. With a focus on strength, trunk stability, alignment, and breath - you will gain a deeper understanding of your own body. This class uses a wide variety of props to help you build your mind-muscle and mind-body connection. 

  • Ages: 18+
  • Mondays: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Thursdays: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Fitness Classification: Specialized Mat Class - participant capacity 12

Power Yoga

A fun, up tempo practice for those who are seeking a bit of a challenge. This practice will activate the sympathetic nervous system and create heat in the body to combat lethargy during the cold winter months. Through the combination of Vinyasa (flow) yoga and dynamic movements, this practice will help to raise the heart rate, build strength, endurance and flexibility and leave you feeling energized and focused. 

  • Age: 18+
  • Wednesdays: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

Total Body Conditioning

Total body conditioning is a full body workout that focuses on all major muscle groups. This workout is designed to increase strength, decrease body fat, and improve your overall fitness level.

  • Age: 18+
  • Mondays: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is a passive practice without muscular tension and practicing soft, effortless breathing. Props like bolster, blanket, blocks are used in positions so one can ease into a Yin pose. Each pose is held up to 3-5 mins. The stressing, stretching and compressing  can affect the layers of deep tissue and the fascia. Participants are encouraged to bring their own blanket. Other props are provided. 

  • Age: 18+
  • Mondays: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Mondays: 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
  • Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: Specialized Mat Class - participant capacity 12

Yinyasa

A yoga class beginning in flow for first half of class, followed by yin restorative for the last half.

  • Age: 18+
  • Fridays: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

Yoga

A yoga class, incorporating, breath, body awareness and gentle stretches. Let go of stress and unwind bringing balance and relaxation into your life.

  • Age: 18+
  • Tuesdays: 7:05 p.m. to 8:05 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

Yoga Fundamentals

A consistent, well-rounded practice intended to increase self-regulation, mobility, flexibility, strength and over-all feel good. Fundamentals includes breathing exercises, gentle warm-ups, basic vinyasa flow, standing postures, core strengthening, deep floor stretches and meditation. This class is ideal for those who are new to the practice of yoga, for those who wish to deepen their existing practice and for those who wish to track their progress week-to-week. No previous experience with yoga is necessary to participate.

  • Age: 18+
  • Tuesdays: 11:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16 

Yoga Flow

Yoga Flow is a Vinyasa style of yoga, which involves continuous movement from start to finish, with a focus on breath and body alignment.

  • Ages: 18+
  • Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Wednesdays: 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Mat or Specialized Chair - participant capacity 16

Zumba® Gold (55+)

Zumba Gold is great for older adults who are looking for a modified, lower-intensity Zumba® class. The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba® choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. Come ready to sweat and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong. This course is for individuals aged 55 and older.

  • Mondays: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Fridays: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Zumba® Gold Chair (55+)

Zumba® Gold seated is perfect for those with mobility or balance issues. This fun class incorporates easy-to-follow dance moves in a chair, beautifully choreographed to music from around the world. Be prepared to get a great workout and leave with a smile on your face! This course is for individuals aged 55 and older.

  • Wednesdays: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Fridays: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
  • Fitness Classification: General Fitness/Chair - participant capacity 20

Fitness Class Gear Essentials List

What you should bring:

  • Water bottle
  • Supportive footwear suited to your activity:
    • Please bring indoor shoes and remove outdoor shoes in the lobbies or outside the classrooms to avoid tracking mud, salt, water, etc. into the classroom. 
    • Please do not wear shoes on the yoga mats
    • Some classes, like yoga, are done barefoot. You can inquire about this at registration or any other time.
  • Comfortable breathable clothing
  • A positive attitude
  • Stability ball (certain classes only)

What we provide (feel free to bring your own if you prefer):

  • Mats for floor work/Yoga mats
  • Yoga blocks
  • Yoga straps
  • Yoga bolsters
  • Weights
  • Stability ball (limited supply)
  • Resistance bands

Nice to have:

  • Towel
  • Yoga essentials such as yoga blanket, bolsters or straps (certain classes)

Fitness Capacities and Safety

Fitness capacities are essential to ensuring a safe, accessible, fun experience for everyone.  Factors that determine the capacity are:

  • Safety
  • Complexity and level of the fitness class
  • Medical needs of the participants
  • Square footage of the room per person
  • Suitable fitness spaces

Capacity of classes

  • Specialized Mat Classes – 12 max participants
  • General Mat or Specialized Chair Class – 16 max participants
  • General Fitness/Chair – 20 max participants
To determine the capacity of your class please look at the class description.

Fitness Fees

Here are the fitness fees, there are two options for payment, registering for the entire session, or purchasing a drop-in pass.

 Fitness fees for the Winter 2 Session:

10 weeks (Adult) $103.40 (HST included)

10 weeks (Senior) $67.20 (HST included)
10 weeks (55+ membership) $51.68 (HST Included)

 2025 Fitness Drop-In Fees

We are now offering a drop-in option for fitness classes. You can drop into a fitness class as long as the class isn't full. Drop-In participants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Please call the the Town Park Recreation Centre ahead of time to ensure the class isn't full.

Fitness Drop-In Fees (includes HST)

Age Cost: Drop-In (1 visit) Cost: Drop-In 10 pass Cost: Drop-In 20 pass
Adults $10.25 $82.00
$153.75

Seniors, Ages 55+

$6.75 $54.00
$101.25
55+ Membership $5.25 $42.00
$78.75

For a self guided outdoor fitness experience, visit the Fitness loop and Cavan Street fitness park

fitness loop sign

The fitness loop is approximately 2 km in length. It includes 6 physical activity stations from Barrett Street Bridge to Riverside Park, as well as 2 activity parks: the Cavan Street Fitness Park and Riverside Park.

The Cavan Street fitness park is located at the Barrett Street Bridge. The park includes: Chest press, Air walker, Leg press, Cycle, Bars, Cross trainer. The fitness equipment is made for those age 13 years and older.

Riverside Park is located across from the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors and has outdoor ping pong, chess, twister, corn hole and more.

Fitness Loop details

Programming Guidelines

We are members of some important initiatives that play a part in our programming. 

Heart Wise Exercise
The Municipality of Port Hope runs Heart Wise Exercise programs. Heart Wise Exercise programs:
  • Encourage regular, daily aerobic exercise
  • Incorporate a warm-up, cool-down, and self-monitoring during each session
  • Encourage exercise with different intensity levels
  • Accept participants with cardiovascular and chronic disease
  • Offer health screening
  • Have a documented emergency plan

All participants need to complete a Get Active questionnaire before their first class. Bring your copy with you and give it to your instructor.  The Get Active questionnaire is provided by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology which is a national voluntary organization composed of professionals interested and involved in the scientific study of exercise physiology, exercise biochemistry, fitness, and health.

Age-Friendly Community
The Municipality of Port Hope is recognized as an Age Friendly community. An age-friendly community (AFC) is a community where policies, services and physical spaces are designed to enable people of all ages to live in secure and accessible physical and social environments. AFCs contribute to good health and allow people to participate fully in society throughout their lifetime. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities project developed eight domains of AFCs. These domains outline the physical and social aspects of communities that contribute to independent and active aging.

The Municipality of Port Hope is recognized as an Age-Friendly Community through the World Health Organization, and was Awarded the Ontario Age-Friendly Recognition Award in 2018 through the Ministry of Seniors Affairs.

Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines 

Discover the recommend physical activity guidelines.

Adults 18 to 64 years

It is recommend by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. Examples of moderate intensity include brisk walking or bike riding. Examples of vigorous intensity include jogging and cross-country skiing.

It is also beneficial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities using major muscle groups, at least 2 days per week.

Older adults 65 years and older

It is recommend by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology that older adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. Examples of moderate intensity include brisk walking or bike riding. Examples of vigorous intensity include cross-country skiing and swimming.

It is also beneficial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities using major muscle groups, at least 2 days per week.

Those with poor mobility should perform physical activities to enhance balance and prevent falls.