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 Snowman & Eric Wilton
Our newly formed cycling group is up-and-riding. The group is jointly led by Terry Snowman, an experienced ride leader and route planner, and Eric Wilton. We aim to cycle 15 to 20 miles at a very comfortable pace and to include a coffee stop on our rides. Given our location, some cycling on busy roads is unavoidable but we will always look to find quieter routes, at least in part. All participants must have roadworthy bicycles, of any type, wear a helmet and bring water. As this is the UK, into every ride some rain may fall, so it will always be a good idea to bring rain gear! Rides will only be postponed in the case of extreme weather. Do join us, for any or all of our rides. You’ll be most welcome. For more information contact Eric via ericwilton1@gmail.com or on 07971-019542.
- When: Tuesday 9.30 am – 1.00 pm
- Where: Meet outside St Judes Church, South Square
Golden Salsa
Leader: Nubia Merchan
Basic social level Salsa classes. Nubia will also introduce a couple of other rhythms such as Merengue and Cumbia that normally go hand in hand with Salsa in social events.
- Summer term resumes on Thursday 18 April
- When: Thursday 1.15–2.15 pm
- Where: Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB
- Contact the Joint Groups Organisers for vacancies
Lawn Bowls
Leader: Phyllis Ellis
- Resumes on 13 May
- When: Monday 2.30–4.30 pm
- Frequency: Weekly
- Location: Temple Fortune Club, 122 Bridge Lane, NW11 9JS
- Charge: £5 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
Pickleball
Leader Philip Brodie
Social play sessions for HGS u3a members are organised by Lemon Pickleball which provides court hire and equipment at Christ’s College Finchley, East End Road, N2 0SE on Sundays (17:00-18:30 – cost £12) and Tuesdays (17:30-18:30 – cost £10).
Newcomers to the game will first be directed to an introductory taster session which is organised separately (cost £8).
HGS u3a members are also welcome to take part in an Open Seniors session on Saturday mornings (11:15 – 12:45) at Wren Academy, Hilton Avenue, North Finchley, N12 9HB (cost £12 per session).
Please note: you are advised to wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear.
Contact the joint groups organisers if interested.
Pilates
Leader: Beverly Okeke
Beverly has been practicing Pilates for years and has recently qualified as an instructor with the aim of sharing the benefits she’s personally experienced. 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 (no class on 16 February)
- Please contact the Joint Groups Organisers to enquire about vacancies
Table Tennis — Social
Contact: Michelle Royston
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.
- When: Tuesday 1.00–2.00 pm & 2.00–4.00 pm
- Where: Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB
- Frequency: Weekly
- Number of places: maximum of 20 people per session
- Charges: £10.00 per term
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.
From September 2023, the class will alternate each week between in-person and online sessions.
- When: Wednesday 2.30–3.30 pm
- Where: Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB
- Frequency: Weekly
Tai Chi on Zoom
Leader: Shahin Daneshi
On alternate weeks, Shahin conducts the Tai Chi class on Zoom. This enables us to provide a class for more people than can be accommodated in the Free Church Hall, as well as for members who are unable to attend the in-person sessions. Please contact the groups organisers for the Zoom link.
- When: Wednesday 2.30–3.30 pm
Tai Chi on Thursday
Leader: Shizue Takahashi
Tai Chi releases tension in the body and improves balance, breathing, circulation, and concentration.
- When: Thursday 2.30–3.30 pm
- Where: Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB
- Frequency: Fortnightly
- Number of places: 16
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 9.45–10.45 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.