How a Rotherham group is making exercise accessible
“Cost can be a significant obstacle, particularly for those who cannot afford gym memberships, private physiotherapy or regular exercise classes.”
A woman’s physiotherapy group in Rotherham is breaking barriers to accessing exercise.
The group, created by Village Physio began in 2023 following concerns about the mental and physical wellbeing of women during the pandemic.
The sessions were free due to funding from the United Multicultural Centre (UMCC).
Sam Logan, Business Manager of Village Physio said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, many older women were experiencing long-term health conditions, reduced mobility, loneliness and financial hardship.”
It relaunched this year with Village Physio and the UMCC as a way to make physiotherapy and exercise accessible for local women.
The cost of living has had an impact on physical activity, it was found that people are cancelling their memberships and subscriptions to sport based groups in an investigation by Sport England.
Sam said that: “Cost can be a significant obstacle, particularly for those who cannot afford gym memberships, private physiotherapy or regular exercise classes.
“Through our partnership with UMCC, we're helping to address some of these barriers by bringing free, accessible, physiotherapy-led exercise into a familiar and welcoming community environment.”
The group also addresses women with mobility issues, and social isolation.
“We recognise that good health isn't just about physical fitness. The sessions also provide opportunities for women to make friends, share experiences and feel connected to their community.
“Our aim is to help women maintain their independence and improve their quality of life,” he added.
The sessions are led by Animesh Sundas, a Chartered Physiotherapist at Village Physio, with over 12 years of NHS experience.
Village Physio has hopes to start a men’s group at some point in the future, though there are no concrete plans.
With the funding, the women’s sessions are expected to be able to continue until 2028 for women over 45 from Rotherham and the surrounding area.
The sessions welcome a regular group of approximately 10 women per week, with capacity for more people to join. However, places are limited, and advanced booking is recommended.