Help shape the next timetable
Thank you for all your suggestions about new classes. A few themes have come through: another Yoga class, more strength and conditioning, and something you’d enjoy coming to on Thursday evenings.
I’ve put together a short questionnaire to help plan November and December. Attendance and feedback during those months will then help shape the timetable for 2027 and beyond.
These are possible additions, so your answers will help me decide which classes to pursue.
What’s happening in fitness?
Your suggestions reflect some wider interests in fitness. The American College of Sports Medicine’s 2026 industry survey highlights strength training alongside balance, flow and core strength—approaches that feature in several of the classes I’m considering.
It’s interesting to see these trends, but the timetable needs to reflect what you want to attend and what fits into your week. Your responses will be much more useful to me than simply following what’s popular elsewhere.
Another opportunity for Yoga
Several of you have asked for another Yoga class, and Suzy Bolt’s name has come up as someone you’d like to see teaching regularly after enjoying her Monday evening cover sessions.
I’m looking at Friday lunchtime Restorative Yoga with Suzy, 12:30–13:30: a slower class with mobility, gentle stretching, breathing and relaxation. A chance to take some time for yourself towards the end of the week.
I’m also considering Thursday lunchtime Pilates, 12:00–12:45, taught by me.
Why more strength and conditioning?
More strength and conditioning has been a popular request, and it’s something I’ve already been developing through the new Circuits format.
Regular resistance training helps build muscle strength and supports bone health. That’s relevant at any age, with particular value for women during perimenopause and after menopause, when hormonal changes can accelerate bone loss.
Strength work can involve weights, bands or bodyweight, with resistance increased as you become stronger. Conditioning adds work on stamina and the capacity to sustain physical effort.
For a Thursday evening class, I’d look for an instructor who gives you time to learn the exercises, find a suitable weight and progress. There should be plenty of scope to challenge yourself, with alternatives available when you need them.
What could Thursday evenings look like?
The questionnaire offers four possibilities for Thursdays at 6:30pm, alongside space for your own suggestions.
Strength & Core
This could combine weights, resistance bands and bodyweight exercises, with a mix of whole-body strengthening and more focused core work.
I’d look for an instructor who could put together a balanced session using exercises such as squats, rows and presses, alongside movements such as bridges, dead bugs and standing band exercises that challenge stability and control through the trunk.
The precise format would be theirs to develop, but clear instruction, time to change equipment and useful exercise options would be important.
Yoga Flow
Yoga Flow links postures into sequences, often coordinated with the breath. It would be a more active Yoga option than the proposed Friday class, with standing sequences and opportunities to explore strength, balance and mobility.
The pace and complexity vary between teachers. I’d look for someone who makes the sequences easy to follow and offers alternatives, so you can enjoy the flow without feeling rushed to keep up.
Barre
Barre is a music-led class combining ballet-inspired movements with elements of Pilates and strength training. It often includes standing exercises using a barre for support, small repeated movements, holds and mat work.
You don’t need a dance background. There is usually little jumping, but the sustained muscle work can still be challenging. I’d look for an instructor who brings the musicality and enjoyment of the format while offering options for different levels of experience.
Barbell Strength
This would be a music-led, Body Pump-style class using barbells and weight plates to exercise the whole body. Different tracks typically focus on different muscle groups through repeated movements such as squats, rows and presses.
You choose your load, and the repeated efforts place a strong emphasis on muscular endurance. This option would require additional equipment and an instructor who gives enough attention to technique, weight selection and alternatives while keeping the class moving.
Finding the right instructor
I wouldn’t be teaching the Thursday evening class myself. Finding the right instructor will be the main challenge, whichever format proves most popular.
I can explain how I like classes to run, but getting to know the people who come takes time. An instructor learns a lot by teaching you: what you enjoy, where you want more of a challenge, and when a different approach would work better.
For me, running a class is about more than putting together an efficient workout.
The community, the enjoyment and the ability to adapt to whoever is in the room are a big part of Matthew Black Fitness.
I’d look for someone who can teach a group with different levels of experience and physical needs, adjusting as they go while keeping the class moving. Someone who makes it easy to ask a question, offers alternatives naturally and can have a laugh with you.
That fit will matter just as much as the type of class they teach.
What would you come to?
Please answer the questionnaire with your diary in mind. Which sessions could you realistically attend regularly? Would another lunchtime class fit your week?
Which Thursday evening option would you look forward to?
It’s absolutely fine to say that a class or time doesn’t suit you. That helps me make sensible decisions too, and there’s space to suggest something else if your preferred class isn’t listed.
Take a couple of minutes to complete the timetable questionnaire and help shape November and December—and what comes next in 2027.
Thank you 🙂
Matthew
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