Move to Improve

Gentle, effective exercise to reduce joint pain and improve mobility

Book Move to Improve View times & locations

Move to Improve is a supportive, low-impact exercise class for adults living with knee, hip or lower back pain.

Designed to ease stiffness, strengthen key muscles and help you move more comfortably, these sessions offer a safe way to stay active and regain confidence in everyday movement.

No referral needed, simply book and attend at a time that suits you.

What Is Move to Improve?

Move to Improve is specially designed for people with chronic joint pain or osteoarthritis affecting the knees, hips or lower back. The programme helps you understand how movement supports joint health and gives you tools to manage symptoms through safe, structured exercise.

The class focuses on:

  • Improving joint mobility
  • Strengthening muscles that support painful joints
  • Reducing stiffness and inflammation
  • Building balance and stability
  • Increasing confidence in movement

Who Is Move to Improve For?

Move to Improve is ideal for:

  • Adults with chronic or long-term joint pain
  • People with osteoarthritis
  • Adults with stiffness in knees, hips or lower back
  • Individuals wanting to improve strength, flexibility, balance or aerobic capacity
  • People who cannot undertake standing exercise due to balance issues

To join the class, participants must be able to exercise independently without supported walking aids.

Why Exercise Is Vital for Joint Pain

Even if your joints feel stiff or uncomfortable, gentle exercise is one of the best things you can do to support long-term mobility. Lack of movement can actually make joint pain worse.

Move to Improve exercises can help you:

  • Strengthen surrounding muscles to protect your joints
  • Maintain bone health
  • Increase energy levels throughout the day
  • Improve sleep quality
  • Support healthy weight management
  • Improve balance and reduce falls risk
  • Enhance daily function and quality of life

What to Expect in a Move to Improve Class

Each session includes a combination of accessible, low-impact exercises:

  • Range of Motion Exercises
    Reduce stiffness and improve your ability to move joints fully.
    Examples: arm raises, shoulder rolls.
  • Strengthening Exercises
    Build supportive muscles around painful joints.
    Examples: sit to stands, calf raises.
  • Aerobic (Endurance) Exercise
    Improve heart health, stamina and weight management.
    Examples: walking, cycling, step ups.
  • Balance Exercises
    Enhance stability, coordination and confidence in everyday movement.
    Examples: single leg balance, tightrope walks, side steps.

These exercises are adaptable for all abilities — including those who cannot stand for long periods.

When & Where Can You Join?

Move It Or Lose It takes place at the centres listed below.

Days and times vary by centre, so please check your local timetable online or in the Everybody app for up-to-date session details.

View Group Fitness Timetable

Congleton Leisure Centre

Crewe Lifestyle Centre

Macclesfield Leisure Centre

Eligibility Criteria

The classes are accessible for those participating in a health programme, or members needing more specialist help.

  • Adults with chronic or long-term arthritic pain, specifically knee, hip and lower back problems
  • Adults who want to improve their flexibility, strength, balance and aerobic capacity
  • Adults unable to exercise standing due to problems with balance.
  • Adults wanting to exercise as well as socialise in a relaxed, friendly environment

Need Help Choosing the Right Programme?

If you’re unsure whether Be Steady Be Safe is right for you, our Everybody Healthy team can help you decide.

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