Building Strength and Confidence: Our Exercise Therapy Classes in Helensburgh
Join our physiotherapist-supported exercise classes to improve your balance, strength & mobility with expert guidance.
Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down – it just means getting smarter about how we move. At The Lomond Clinic, we believe that staying active should be enjoyable, safe, and tailored to where you are in your fitness journey. That’s exactly what our exercise therapy classes are all about.
What Are Exercise Therapy Classes, And Why Are They Different?
You’ve probably seen plenty of fitness classes advertised around Helensburgh, but ours are special: they’re designed and overseen by physiotherapists, and led by a trainer qualified in exercise referral. So our classes aren’t just about getting your heart pumping (although that’s important, too) – they’re about moving your body in ways that improve your daily life.
Physiotherapist Sakshi is hands-on with our programme, assessing everyone at the beginning and end of each 10-week block. And the classes are run by fitness expert Rachael. It means you’re not just exercising – you’re getting professional guidance, from two specialists in their fields, on your movement patterns, progress, and what’s working best for your body.
Two Levels, One Goal: Moving Better
We know that everyone’s starting point is different. Maybe you’re recovering from an injury, haven’t exercised in years, or perhaps you want to maintain the mobility you’ve worked hard to build.
That’s why we offer two levels of exercise therapy classes:
From the Chair: Building Your Foundation
From the Chair is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to build strength gradually. These 45-minute sessions (Tuesday & Thursday 10:00-10:45am) focus on:
- Gentle strength building exercises
- Improving circulation and flexibility
- Building confidence in movement
- Core stability work from a seated position
Don’t let the name fool you – chair-based exercises can be surprisingly effective! You’ll be amazed at how much stronger and more stable you feel after just a few weeks.
Beyond the Chair: Taking It Further
Ready for more of a challenge? Beyond the Chair is our progression class (Tuesday & Thursday 11:00-11:45am) which incorporates:
- Standing exercises for functional strength
- Balance and coordination work
- More dynamic movements
- Strength-building for everyday activities like climbing stairs or carrying shopping
The beauty of having both levels is that you can move from one class to the next as your fitness and confidence grow. There’s no pressure, just progress at your own pace.
Meet Your Expert Guide: Rachael
Rachael Peddie Temple leads our exercise therapy classes, and she’s exactly the kind of person you want in your corner when it comes to fitness and exercise. With 18 years in the fitness industry, Rachael isn’t just experienced – she’s passionate about helping people discover what their bodies can do.
Her qualifications speak for themselves:
- Advanced Personal Trainer
- GP Referral for Exercise specialist
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Instructor
- Postural Stability Instruction
- Core Conditioning Instructor
- Pre and postnatal exercise specialist
But beyond the certificates, what really sets Rachael apart is her approach. As one participant puts it: “Rachael is very knowledgeable and helpful. I am thoroughly enjoying her classes and feel very safe with her exercises.”
That word – “safe” – is crucial. Rachael creates an environment where you can push yourself appropriately without worry, knowing that every exercise has been chosen specifically to benefit you.
Rachael Peddie Temple, Exercise Referral Trainer
See more about Rachael | See Rachael’s clinic days | Book an appointment with Rachael
Exercise Therapy is about more than feeling good (although it does that, too)
Our exercise therapy approach is grounded in evidence-based practice. Each element of the class targets specific aspects of healthy ageing and injury prevention:
- Balance Work helps prevent falls – a major concern as we age. Better balance means more confidence moving around your home, garden, and around town.
- Strength Training doesn’t just build muscle – it protects your bones, improves your metabolism, and makes everyday tasks easier.
- Flexibility and Postural Training counteracts the effects of modern life – whether that’s hours spent at a desk, or the natural changes that come with age.
- Core Conditioning is your foundation for everything else. A strong core means better posture, less back pain, and more power in all your movements.
Real Benefits for Real Life
The real benefit of mobility and exercise isn’t just fitness, as important as that is – it’s freedom. The freedom to:
- Climb stairs without getting breathless
- Carry your groceries
- Play with grandchildren
- Feel steady on your feet
- Have energy for activities you enjoy
As Iain shared after his consultation with Rachael: “Everything was simply explained and it was not rushed. There was a useful follow-up email containing details of what was spoken about and which acts as a reminder.”
This attention to detail and genuine care extends into every class.
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere
Our classes take place at The Bridge (Helensburgh Parish Church Hall, just off Colquhoun Square), and have a warm, community feel that’s quite different from a commercial gym. There’s no intimidation – just friendly faces, encouragement, and working together towards better health.
Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so it’s easy to build exercise into your weekly routine without overwhelming your diary. Our participants usually find that having set days helps them stay committed and plan ahead, and the 45-minute class time doesn’t take much time out of your day.
The Benefit of Joined-up Healthcare
Another reason our exercise classes are different (and we think, better) is that they’re part of our integrated approach to healthcare, just like everything else we do at The Lomond Clinic. So if you’re also seeing our physiotherapists or medical team for treatment, your exercise programme can and will be tailored to complement your therapy.
Dealing with a specific injury or condition? Rachael works closely with our physio team to ensure your exercise programme supports, rather than hinders, your recovery. All our services work together for a joined-up, personalised approach to your healthcare.
Getting Started: What to Expect
Thinking about joining our classes? Here’s what your journey might look like:
- Sign up for classes by giving us a call on 01436 672677.
- Week 1: Initial assessment with Physiotherapist Sakshi to understand your starting point and any specific considerations.
- Weeks 2-9: Regular classes with Rachael, progressing at your own pace and building strength, balance, and confidence.
- Week 10: Final assessment to celebrate your progress and plan your next steps.
Each 10-week block feels (and is!) achievable – it’s long enough to see real improvements, but not so long that it feels overwhelming or difficult to commit to.
Investment in Your Health
The 10-week programme, which includes 2 professionally-guided fitness classes per week and physiotherapist assessments, is £160. Although that might seem substantial, it works out at just £8 per session. Compare that to the much higher cost of private personal training sessions – which, even with an experienced PT, are unlikely to be suited to your needs – and it’s great value for your health, freedom and peace of mind.
Ready to Move Better?
Whether you’re looking to regain confidence in movement, maintain your current fitness, or take the next step in your health journey, our exercise therapy classes offer a safe, supportive, and effective way to achieve your goals.
The next 10-week block is filling up, and spaces are limited to ensure everyone gets the personal attention they deserve.
How to Join a Class
Call us on 01436 672677 (or pop to see us at the clinic) to discuss which level might be right for you and to secure your place.
Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays
- “From the Chair”: 10:00-10:45am
- “Beyond the Chair”: 11:00-11:45am
Where: The Bridge, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
Investment: £160 for 10 weeks (twice weekly)
What’s Included:
- Initial and final physiotherapist assessment
- 20 professionally-led exercise sessions
- Ongoing support and progression guidance
- Integration with other clinic services if needed
Part of Something Bigger
Our exercise referral class is just one of the Physiotherapy & Sports Rehab services we offer at The Lomond Clinic, and part of our much broader approach to health and wellbeing. The Lomond Clinic also provides physiotherapy, medical services, mental health support, nutritional guidance, complementary therapies, and skincare services – all working together to support your overall health.
This integrated approach means that whatever you’re visiting us for, you have access to a complete support network under one roof.
Read more about our joined-up, ‘whole person’ approach to healthcare →
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