Exercise groups are a common feature of halls and can give so much to people’s wellbeing. This Village Halls Week, Wendy – a Launton village local who runs regular classes in various halls – shares her experiences of how fun and impactful they can be:
Health and wellbeing of people in rural areas is so important and I am so pleased that “Village Halls Week 2026” is recognising this.
Often people feel isolated and find it difficult to access modern fitness classes in their villages which is why I have been taking my Clubbercise and Retro Step Aerobics to rural villages for over 10 years. Everyone deserves the opportunity to have a wide range of different health and wellbeing options available to them which are inclusive, affordable and friendly.
I live in Launton so my priority is putting on classes in my own community first at Launton Parish Hall. I grew up in the village so I have seen how the Parish Hall has always been a central hub for the community and I cannot imagine the village without it.
People come to my Clubbercise classes because I transfer a parish/village hall into an Ibiza nightclub for 1 hour. It is in a darkened room with disco lights, glitter, neon and easy to follow routines using Clubbercise glowsticks. Clubbers are aged between 18 years – 70 plus years either coming on their own or with friends. They like it because there is no judgement, it doesn’t matter if they miss a move and are less conscious of how they look as it’s in the dark.
Some people come to burn 550 calories, some come along as it’s their night out, some come along because they feel alone, some come along to maintain their mental health, some come along to make new friends, some come along to have “me” time for 1 hour, some come along to improve their confidence and fitness and some come along because it’s safe and friendly.
Launton Parish Hall is especially good as it still has a semi sprung wooden flooring which is perfect for softening the impact on the legs. I have also put on some Family Clubbercise which brings together parents, carers and children to look after their health wellbeing together whilst having fun.
My Retro Step Aerobics is also successful as I keep it “old school” including some light weights and floor work using the step. I keep to 80’s music and easy to follow routines which attracts people from the age of 18 years to 70 plus years. Steppers have said how they can physically see the difference in their body tone, weight and energy levels and it works alongside nutrition plans. I have seen massive transformations in people but this is also down to the good vibes, making it a friendly inviting group and adapting the routines to include all abilities.
In Village/Parish Halls the atmosphere is more relaxed, friendly, inviting, easy to access, more personal and it’s much easier for me as an Instructor to manage my classes. I love that these venues are iconic and I am adding to their history.
My Clubbercise classes at Launton Parish Hall average between 25 – 30 clubbers and Retro Step Aerobics averages 15 with all the step blocks in the room. I have rarely had to cancel my classes and they keep thriving through word of mouth and social media. I will keep going as I love hearing the stories from individual clubbers and steppers about how it makes them feel and it also sustains my health and wellbeing. After a long hard day in my daytime job I look forward to my evening classes Monday – Friday in Launton, Souldern and Heyford Park as it is such an adrenaline buzz.
Quotes from Clubbers and Steppers:
Liz Davis Young
Village hall week! Launton Village Hall is the heart of the village community. It is where local meetings are held, family events, along with many various clubs and societies, where from the young to the elderly are all welcome. I attend the clubbercise and retro step classes in the village hall, walking in alone, not only is this good for my health and mental wellbeing, but I now consider the rest of my clubbers and steppers as friends!
Lesley Thompson
Launton Parish Hall is an ideal venue for a local fitness group like clubbercise, which not only promotes a good health but great atmosphere and friendship, it is therefore good for the well-being of the participants. As a village location, it’s easy to access on foot or by bicycle.
Clare Walker (Ex Launton Postie for 12 years)
So my main reason I love to go to the local village hall for clubbercise is because it’s a proper community feeling where everybody is so friendly and welcoming. It’s a different atmosphere to going to a gym class.
