The NHS recommends that adults aged 19 to 64 should do strength exercises on 2 or more days a week that work all the major muscles, and at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. The David Ellis Charity delivers an established programme of free fitness classes funded by grant awards, fundraising, and sponsorship at venues in Dorchester, Weymouth, and Portland for military veterans, serving Armed Forces personnel, healthcare staff, and families. 

Veterans - It is important to register with a GP, rather than wait until you need treatment. Find information about how the NHS works and how it provides healthcare to the armed forces community HERE. If you’ve recently left the forces, it is important to give your GP the paperwork your military medical centre gave you, including any medical records. 

An active and healthy lifestyle can help to reduce strain on the NHS and free up resources. Our instructors are a volunteer husband and wife team qualified as fitness professionals. Classes are tailored to meet the needs of a range of physical challenges. We advise anyone new to exercise or returning to exercise after injury or illness to seek clearance from their GP. The fitness staff conducts a physical activity readiness questionnaire before your first class. 

Instructors are:

✔ CIMSPA registered

✔ UK Coaching insured

✔ Enhanced DBS checked

✔ Safeguarding level 2 certified

✔ Advanced first aid instructors

✔ Archery GB instructors