All physical activities are designed with the age profile of HGS U3A members in mind, so you’re not expected to be an Olympic athlete, but you must be sufficiently fit to participate.
If in doubt, please contact the Group Leader to discuss whether the group is suitable for you. In some cases, you will be asked to fill in a confidential form disclosing any health issues.
Cycling
Leaders: Terry Clarke
Our weekly Tuesday morning cycling rides have been going from strength to strength over the past three years. The rides are led by Terry Clarke, an experienced ride leader and route planner. We aim to cycle up to 20 miles at a very comfortable pace and include a coffee stop.
Given our location, some cycling on busy roads is unavoidable but we will always look to find quieter roads wherever possible. During the summer months, we arrange out-of-town rides with lunch, which have proved very successful.
We have recently joined up with Barnet u3a Cycling Group, and thanks to their leader, Peter Mosley, we have discovered more enjoyable, scenic rides in Hertfordshire.
All participants must have roadworthy bicycles, of any type, wear a helmet and bring water. Terry checks the weather forecast before the ride, which will only be cancelled in the event of extreme conditions.
- When: Tuesday 9.30 am – 1.30 pm
- Frequency: Weekly
- Where: Meet corner of Erskine Hill and Temple Fortune Hill
- More information: Contact Terry Clarke
Lawn Bowls
Leader: Sharon Cavendish
- When: Monday 2.30–4.30 pm (from late April)
- Frequency: Weekly
- Location: Temple Fortune Club, 122 Bridge Lane, NW11 9JS
- Charge: £10 per session (this is the club’s visitor fee)
Mindfulness & Wellbeing
Leader: Mika Hadar-Borthwick
Each session is structured as a mini-course, focusing on specific subjects. The sessions in October will delve into the nature of the mind, emotions and thoughts, the senses, and the connection between mind and body.
In December, we’ll explore topics related to poise, responses to stimuli, and the presence of mind and body.
- All sessions on Zoom
- When: Tuesday 12.00–1.00 pm
- Please contact the Joint Groups Organisers for the Zoom link
Pilates
Leader: Liora Wolff
Beverly and Liora have been practicing Pilates for years and are qualified teachers. They conduct the class on alternate weeks. The main aim of this class is to condition the deeper, supporting muscles of your body to improve strength, posture, balance and coordination.
The class is aimed at beginners to Pilates with modifications available to accommodate different abilities and progressions for anyone wanting a little bit more of a challenge. All attendees should bring a yoga mat, a Pilates block or cushion if you require them, and dress in light, comfortable clothing.
- When: Friday morning
- Where: Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB
- Frequency: Weekly
- Please contact the Joint Groups Organisers to enquire about vacancies
Seated Mobility Exercise
- When: Wednesday mornings 10.30-11.30 starting 21 May
- Where: Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB
- Frequency: Weekly
Daniela is starting a Seated Mobility Exercise Class, specially designed for those with limited mobility or who are less physically active. This one hour session which is wheelchair friendly includes approximately 30–35 minutes of exercise, tailored to participants’ abilities, with tea and coffee provided afterwards.
Table Tennis — Social
Leaders: Michelle Royston & Ashok Sharma
Come along and learn or play as you wish. Table tennis can improve mental health, reducing the risk of depression, anxiety and developing self-esteem as well as developing mental agility, motor skills, balance and coordination.
As little as 10 minutes of regular moderate exercise can bring great benefits.
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- When: Tuesday
- 12.00–1.00 pm (for beginners and intermediates)
- 1.00–2.00 pm (for beginners and intermediates)
- 2.00–4.00 pm (for intermediates and experienced players)
- Frequency: Weekly
- Where: Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB
- Number of places: maximum of 20 people per session
- Charges: £5.00 per term
- When: Tuesday
Tai Chi on Wednesday
Leader: Shahin Daneshi
This class is a combination of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Raja yoga meditation. This is a gentle mindful practice, that promotes peace and wellbeing. Each session will cover Tai chi and Qi Gong practice and their philosophy in addition to Raja yoga. Raja yoga focuses on pratyahara (control of the five senses), dharna (concentration), and dhyana (meditation).
The benefits include improving flexibility and coordination, strength, balance and a general feeling of calm and ease. You can bring a yoga mat or sit on a chair for the meditation part.
- When: Wednesday 1.30–2.30 pm and 2.30–3.30 pm (separate sessions)
- Where: Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB
- Frequency: Fortnightly
Walking Groups
Walking to keep fit and enjoy pleasant company. See Outdoor Activities.
Yoga
Leader: Sarah Dewdney
Sarah has been practising yoga for over 15 years and became a teacher to share the mental and physical benefits with others. The class will be a gentle, slow-moving Hatha based one. Starting with warm-up movements, Yin yoga poses, grounding, pranayama (breath-work), sun salutation, standing and seated asana. Finishing with floor based sequence culminating in savasana, to absorb the physical practice.
Modifications can be made in any pose, yoga is a personal practice in which you work with what you have. It is about making a connection with your breath, body and mind.
All attendees should bring a yoga mat and blocks, if you require them, and dress in light, comfortable clothing.
- When: Thursday 10.00–11.00 am
- Where: Finchley Youth Theatre, 142 High Road, East Finchley, N2 9ED (near East Finchley tube; parking available in side roads)
- Frequency: Weekly
- Number of places: Currently a waiting list
Gentle Yoga
Leader: Michal Benaim
Our teacher Michal says: This class is for those who are seeking gentler work that will listen to your body and your needs. My aim is to make you feel better after the class than when you first walked in. Yoga is a non-judgmental practice that invites everyone at all levels or stages in life to practice.
I have been practising yoga for over 20 years and in the last couple of years have qualified as a Hatha Yoga instructor.
The class will be held at the Free Church Hall, Northway, London NW11 6PB on Wednesdays. Please contact the u3a group organisers regarding availability.