Canberra Council Launches Winter Group Fitness Classes at Six Leisure Centres

Canberra residents gained access to expanded group exercise timetables at ACT Government leisure centres this month, with new sessions listed for July and August at facilities in Belconnen and Tuggeranong.

Winter temperatures and shorter daylight hours have pushed more locals toward indoor classes that combine movement with social contact, a shift supported by ACT Health messaging on physical activity for mental wellbeing.

Key locations across Canberra

The Belconnen Leisure Centre on Aikman Drive runs morning yoga at 7am and spin classes at 6pm on weekdays, drawing participants from nearby suburbs including Evatt and Florey. The Tuggeranong Leisure Centre, located beside Lake Tuggeranong, schedules Zumba sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings plus strength circuits on Saturday mornings that link directly to the weekly parkrun starting at 8am. Both centres accept drop-in attendance and maintain separate beginner tracks for residents new to group formats.

ANU and University of Canberra students receive discounted entry through existing partnerships, while Beyond Blue ACT promotes the classes as part of its community wellbeing programs. Trails around Lake Burley Griffin remain popular for solo running, yet the indoor options provide weather-proof alternatives when winds pick up across the basin.

Prices and participation numbers

ACT Government figures released in June recorded 4,872 attendances at group classes across its leisure centres in the 2025-26 financial year, up 12 percent from the prior period. Concession holders pay $10 per session while full adult rates sit at $18, with a 10-visit pass available for $150. Bookings open through the ACT Sport and Recreation online portal 48 hours ahead of each class.

Interested participants can visit either centre reception or call the central bookings line to confirm availability before heading out. Those with existing health conditions should speak with a local GP before starting any new routine.