GYMNASIUM

The gymnasium is open for guests to work-out individually from 7.30 a.m. – 9.30 p.m. and is supervised by qualified staff between 9.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This allows guests who are familiar with gymnasium equipment to exercise as appropriate within safe parameters. If you are new to this environment you should come along to try the equipment with the guidance of a qualified instructor.

ONE-TO-ONE CONSULTATIONS

For those guests who have specific goals and seek individual exercise advice, our Instructors also offer the following one-to-one consultations. Personal training is no longer the preserve of A-list celebrities but can be yours, helping you to achieve Hollywood results.

Fitness Assessment

Analysing the key areas of cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition, enabling you to learn more about your body, particularly weak areas which can be remedied through exercise. By setting benchmarks and then quantified targets, it’s easier to monitor your progress.

Premier Fitness Assessment

Measuring status in 5 key components of health related fitness, this is a comprehensive approach allowing you to ensure your exercise regime fits your body’s needs. This is a blue chip approach to understanding your body and how exercise affects it, positively.

Exercise Programming

Designing a work-out to fit your lifestyle. In the gymnasium, your home or even your office! No more excuses, this is your blueprint for a fitter, healthier, new you.

Personal Training

A personal session of exercise to assist you in achieving your goals, whether it be losing weight, gym work, stretching, back care or generally to get fitter. Two heads are better than one, so get ready for accelerated results with an Instructor dedicated to helping you on your fitness journey.

Lifestyle Analysis and Exercise Advice

Take one big step to a healthier way of living to find out how to make changes that will enhance your enjoyment of life. Advice can be given on how to reduce stress levels, joint problems, increasing energy levels and promoting better sleeping patterns.

Introduction to Fencing

In learning the skills of attack and defence, fencers develop good co-ordination, balance and flexibility which makes fencing training an ideal means of keeping fit for all ages and abilities.

Introduction to Archery

Archery appeals to all ages and abilities. Try the challenge and experience a sense of achievement and the pleasure of this calming pastime, during your stay at Ragdale.

EXERCISE CLASSES

Not one, but two studios, purpose built to accommodate the widest spectrum of exciting, fun sessions. 


Fitness Yoga

Adapting traditional yoga postures to achieve total body conditioning and improved posture in a dynamic, modern format.

Wake Up and Stretch/Stretch to Relax/Candlelight Stretch

Soothing music provides a wonderful ambience for a complete stretching experience, guaranteed to help reduce tension in the muscles and remove stress from your body. During the autumn and winter months, candles provide subtle lighting to complement the relaxing music.

Bodymax

Concentrate your mind on muscle and find out how to make the most out of safe weight training in a class environment. Not only the quickest way to change the shape of your body but also the most effective way to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Core Conditioning

Emphasising quality of movement, learn how to engage the stabilising muscles that strengthen and protect the spine, using the unique CORE BOARD and FLEXI BARS! Exercises incorporate arms and legs providing toning benefits for the whole body.

Tai Chi Fusion

East meets West in this harmonious fusion of martial arts movements with carefully selected contemporary music to give balance to the body and bring calm to the mind.

Tai Chi Sword

Unique to Ragdale Hall, a gentle, fluid class using wooden swords in a non–threatening, health-promoting format.

Relax and Unwind

Experience gentle mindful movement with pure relaxation that will influence body and mind.

Box Fit

An exciting Shadow Boxing workout. Targets balance, agility and co-ordination. Great for reducing stress levels and burning a high number of calories.

Street Dance

Who said Hip Hop is only for the MTV generation! By slowing down the beats and simplifying the moves anyone can enjoy this ‘no rules’ class. Remember if it feels right then it is right.

Saturday Night Fever

Disco is back! By popular demand, a fantastic funky routine to music from the 70’s – not to be missed! You are guaranteed the best fun – if you have two left feet, don’t worry “blame it on the boogie”!

Hot Salsa Fitness

Dance is a great way to exercise. Latino moves to the rhythm of the music will help you to spice up your fitness regime. You’ll be the life and soul of every party with your new found dancing skills.

Pom Pom Workout

Give me an R……Give me an A……. Give me a G……Give me a D……Give me an A……Give me an L……Give me an E…… You get the picture! This class will get those pom-pom’s shaking and the body moving.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Workout

“One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, lets go guys go!” Twist and shimmy to all your favourite 50’s classics.

Take That and Dance

Relight your fire with this dance medley of Take That and Party grooves. Travel back to the 90’s to sample the boy band mania that took the pop charts by storm.

Billy Elliot

Adapting sequences from both the hit movie and the acclaimed West End musical. Come and join the team in this easy to learn fusion of contemporary and ballet genres.

Broadway

Where you and your dance troop are the stars of the show. You won’t even notice you’re exercising as your dance teacher takes you through your steps one by one.

Chinese Wand

A form of Chi Kung which involves co-ordinated breathing and movement. Working with a bamboo cane.

Dragon Fan

A graceful class with gentle moves based on the Chinese martial arts and influenced by the mythical Chinese dragon.

Strengthen your Back

An informal class/workshop designed to give you the knowledge to protect and strengthen your back muscles.

Ba Duann Gin

By stimulating chi (energy) circulation, this system of exercise will release tension, improve flexibility, posture, breathing and overall health.

Introduction to Tai Chi

A relaxing and yet focused introduction to this gentle movement technique. Tai Chi is an integrated exercise system for mind, body and spirit.

Fitness Ball

A great form of exercise for the whole body, particularly good for your core stability, i.e. your postural muscles. This class uses a large ball to specifically target the abdominal and lower back muscles.

Studio Cycling

Get ready for the ride of your life. A stationary cycle class to music led by our Instructors. This class will take you to the limits of aerobic exercise to help you gain maximum stamina through varied cycling techniques.

Introduction to Meditation

Simple and effective techniques for anyone to learn and benefit from.

Aromaball

A class for all the senses! The focus is on generating and feeling energy through movement. Class participants use a soft, spongy ball impregnated with aromatherapy oils to release tension and feel both relaxed and calm.

Pilates/On the Ball

A safe and effective way to improve the tone and alignment of your body using slow, controlled movements performed on the floor. It is a great way to reduce injury as it balances the body through strength and flexibility, helping your body to function more effectively.

Body Tone

A sculpting class that will work those forgotten areas of the body, incorporating a mixture of wonderful tools, including body bands, flexi-bars and gliding discs.

Gliding

Gliding uses 9 inch discs to aid hands and feet in graceful, flowing movements to provide a full body toning and sculpting workout. Great for hips and thighs.

Ragdale Runners

Let us give you a motivational push by coming along to our very own Running Club. Sessions will vary between distance and speed sessions, for all fitness levels.

EXERCISE POOL

The unique exercise pool is where you’ll find all the water classes. There are four different classes to try:

Yoqua

A water based class that promises all the benefits of a land based yoga class i.e. increased strength and flexibility and a healthier spine. A sensory and pleasurable experience.

Aquatone

With the use of water equipment, this class is very effective but also great fun for all who love water.

Pilates H2O

All the benefits of this popular form of exercise taken into the water. Improve your posture and learn awareness of all the muscles involved.

Cardio Splash

Have fun exercising in the water to music, in this pool based aerobics class to challenge and so improve the cardiorespiratory system.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Country Walk

This is a 45 minute stroll or a 1½ hour walk along National Trust footpaths from the Hall to local villages and back. It gives you the chance to take in some fresh air and see some of the beautiful Leicestershire countryside.

Weight-loss Walkout

Join the walking class and keep your body healthy and happy by simply walking your way to fitness and exercising the most important muscle we have – the heart!

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

If you fancy trying something new, perhaps something you’ve always wanted to try, individual and group tuition is available in Golf, Archery, Fencing, Swimming and Tennis (Golf and Archery between March and October)

In the summer months when the weather is good we arrange Cycling, Boules, Croquet, Pitch ‘n’ Putt and Tennis all of which are free for you to use at any time. Telephone the Gymnasium on extension 318, or check the fitness notice board by the Studios to find out what’s on during your stay.

Arrangements can be made locally for guests wishing to participate in Golf, Horse-Riding and Jet-Skiing. Please contact Reception on 388, for more details.

Maps detailing country walks and cycle routes are also available from the Gymnasium.

Please click here to download the above Fitness Services Information in word format.