Low Impact Circuits at Dronfield Active

Low Impact Circuits at Dronfield Active is more than just a fitness class. It’s a welcoming community where people can improve their health, build confidence and make new friendships.

Hear from some of our regular attendees as they share their experiences and explain how the class has helped them stay active, connected and enjoying life.

Iris (84) has been visiting Dronfield Active for 18 years and is a firm believer in the importance of keeping active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Iris said: “I’ve got a twisted spine and spondylosis, and I think if I hadn’t come to do exercises, I wouldn’t have been able to walk.

“I think it’s very important for people to keep going, keep moving.”

Jane has been coming to Low Impact Circuits for 11 years now and loves how social the class is. She has seen a definite improvement in her health since joining the class.

Jane (74) said: “Coming here it was so friendly and has got even more friendlier as the years have gone by, because it’s the same people that seem to come and we all kind of get to know each other now and it’s lovely, it’s good.”

One of Barbara’s favourite ways to spend her time is at Dronfield Active, enjoying Low Impact Circuits and catching up with friends, alongside playing the ukulele, of course!

Barbara (81) said: “I’ve lost count of how many years I’ve been coming. I was suggested by my local doctor at the Civic Centre to come down after I had replacement hips and I’ve been here for many years.”

After losing her husband, Jan found friendship, support and a real sense of community through the class, where she continues to meet new people every week.

Jan (72) said: “It’s helped immensely because obviously with knee replacements you need to do the exercises and it helps with my body and mind, so your mental health and everything as well. You are meeting people every day, every time you come.”

Derri has been visiting Dronfield Active for eight years after being referred by Chesterfield Hospital. Alongside Low Impact Circuits, he also attends classes such as Stronger for Longer, which help support his recovery from a shoulder injury.

Derri (76) said: “Prior to me being poorly with a heart attack I was a self-employed driving instructor for 30 years. I plonked weight on, had the heart attack and following the heart attack I had sepsis and I’ve lost 2.5 stone through coming to places like this and dieting.”

Margaret has been visiting Dronfield Active for over 11 years, and the Low Impact Circuits class has not only had a positive impact on her health but has also helped her build lasting friendships.

Margaret (88) said: “I’ve been coming for about 11 years or more now.

“I became involved when I attended a doctor’s class. I fell and broke my back in four places.

“I had training and they suggested I attend this class.”

 

To find out more, view their testimonial videos.


On the road to wellness – CCA testimonials

Our Wellness Suite at Clay Cross Active has been proving a big hit with customers.

The suite, which has power-assisted equipment, is suitable for all fitness levels and is ideal for those who are less mobile, suffering from illness or undergoing post-operative rehabilitation.

Take a look below to see how our customers are enjoying and benefitting from using the suite:

Jane’s story

Jane in wellness suite

Jane has been visiting the Wellness Suite since July 2025.

Jane said: “I’d describe it as a gym for someone who can’t do the gym and that suits me just fine.

“It’s very friendly, the staff are really helpful and encouraging. People you meet are chatty or not, it just depends, and altogether it’s not in any way intimidating.”

After a total knee replacement seven years ago and problems with her spine, she believes her condition has been helped by the exercise she’s been doing.

Her son, who hadn’t seen her for a while, also commented she was walking straighter.

Rachel’s story

Rachel in wellness suite

Since losing her husband, Rachel, who is in her mid-80s made it her mission to get healthier and the Wellness Suite has been perfect in helping with her wellness journey.

Rachel said: “I love it! I am a gym person, but I’d vegetated for a while and not done a lot because I’ve had a lot of family difficulties. Anyway, I’m nearly back into the swim and I’m also doing a gym programme as well so I’m trying to get fit again.

“I’m really enjoying it and it’s made me more relaxed and physically stronger.

“The staff are superb. You can’t fault them. Very helpful and knowledgeable.

“It’s a really nice and social doing you good kind of atmosphere. It’s great.”

Val’s story

Val in the Wellness Suite

Val was recommended to come and try the Wellness Suite by her son and she’s not looked back.

Val said: “You can do as much or as little as you want. Do it at your pace and you gradually build up.

“I’m glad I came. I’m glad my son encouraged me to come. It’s brilliant.

“The staff are brilliant and I’ve made friends.

“I’ve never been to a gym in my life, or done anything, but as soon as I came I was relaxed. Everyone was nice.”

Coral’s story

Coral in the Wellness Suite

Coral found out about the Wellness Suite while swimming in the pool at Clay Cross Active and has been visiting ever since.

Her new-found fitness now lets her push her wheelchair herself

Coral said: “I don’t have full use of any of my limbs properly and so being able to just hold onto a machine that moves you at first was amazing. I’ve never had an opportunity of anything like that before.

“It makes your muscles stronger, everything feels much better. For me especially it moves parts of my body I can’t move myself.”

View videos of all our Wellness Suite testimonials

Book a session – available 7 days a week.


Local Voices Shine in New Killamarsh Active Leisure Testimonials

Killamarsh Active Leisure is proud to share a new collection of testimonials from our valued ‘Just do More’ members, showcasing the real impact our centre has on real people in the community. From improved health and wellbeing to a renewed sense of confidence and connection, these stories highlight the difference our classes, facilities and staff make every single day.

Whether it’s a gym-goer or a regular in our fitness classes, each testimonial reflects the welcoming, supportive environment we strive to create. With a healthy mix of videos and Google reviews you can see for yourself the difference Killamarsh Active is making.

Watch the videos on our Killamarsh Active Testimonials webpage.


In a Nutshell

Just a great bunch of people, here to do our best for our community so that collectively, we can all achieve more.

Tel: 01246 231111

Registered Office: North East Derbyshire District Council, 2013 Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 6NG, United Kingdom

We love to chat

If you need to get in touch, just drop us a message and we’ll get back to you.

Just to keep in touch

Register for our newsletter and stay up-to-date.