Visitors across the city are invited to participate in an outdoor community exercise initiative this summer.
Launching on Wednesday 7 May 2025, ‘PT in the Park’ sessions will take place every week in Victoria Park from 5pm-6pm until September 2025 (weather depending*).
Sessions will be led by BH Live Active instructors and will incorporate a warm-up, health and safety briefing, HIIT-based exercises, and a cooldown to inspire more people to stay active in one of the city’s beautiful parklands.
All fitness levels and abilities are welcome, with alternative movements demonstrated for both advanced and beginner levels. Participants aged 12+ are welcome, but under-18s must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Sessions are free to attend with no booking required – simply turn up on the day. A suggested £2 donation (cash or electronic donation via QR code) on the day is encouraged, with all funds donated to BH Live’s Investing In Community Fund to contribute to the delivery of future health and wellbeing community projects across the city.
Other activities, including Stretch and Relax Yoga sessions, will also be running in Victoria Park throughout the summer, to highlight the park’s importance to the local community. A full list of activities and further information on park facilities can be found at victoriaparkportsmouth.org.uk.
The Victoria Park summer events project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered by Portsmouth City Council.
BH Live is a registered charity and social enterprise. BH Live manages and operates several leisure centres across the city in partnership with Portsmouth City Council. These include Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Pyramids and Exploria in Southsea, Charter Community Sports Centre, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre, and Portsmouth Tennis & Gymnastics Centre.
On behalf of BH Live, Carla Earle, Community Sports Manager for Portsmouth, shared;
“It’s great to work with Portsmouth City Council and the Victoria Park team to deliver these free group exercise sessions in the community. We hope this will encourage more people across the city to have a go at a new activity, discover the benefits of being regularly active, and of course enjoy the lovely setting in Victoria Park.”
A representative from Portsmouth City Council’s Victoria Park Project team shared;
“We are excited to collaborate with BH Live Active to bring these fitness sessions to Victoria Park. By offering these sessions, we aim to encourage everyone to take advantage of the park’s facilities and join us in promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle. Exercise can be so important to build friendships, confidence, and self-esteem, and we would love new members of the community to join these groups. Our goal is to make fitness accessible to all and to highlight the park’s role in fostering community spirit and well-being.”
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport at Portsmouth City Council added:
“Victoria Park is known as the ‘people’s park’, so it is fitting that it should host these sessions, which are open to everyone looking to improve their fitness and wellbeing.
“Encouraging healthy lifestyles in our communities and promoting positive physical health is a priority for us. I’m delighted to see us coming together with our partners to offer this fantastic opportunity in the heart of the city.”
More information on BH Live’s health and wellbeing and community activities can be found at bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities.
More information on BH Live Active can be found at bhliveactive.org.uk.
More information on Victoria Park can be found at victoriaparkportsmouth.co.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*Updates on sessions, including cancellations, will be made on the Portsmouth Community Activities Facebook page
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Mountbatten Leisure Centre
Operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with Portsmouth City Council.
Portsmouth’s flagship leisure and event venue. Located in the heart of Hilsea, Mountbatten is located just a short distance from Portsmouth’s city centre. Its large well equipped gym, accessible by lift, has multiple zones with something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness. Dedicated training areas have lots of cardio kit to choose from, free weights, functional fitness spaces and more. With health and wellbeing professionals on hand, there is also an exercise referral team to offer guidance and support if recovering from an illness, injury or long term health condition. Group exercise classes run seven days a week and include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat, Sprint, Grit, Group Cycle, Bootcamp, Shapes, yoga, Pilates, aqua, group cycle, circuits, and more.
There is a 50 metre swimming pool (divided into two) with regular public swimming sessions, lane swimming, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a smaller teaching pool for little ones and lessons. Mountbatten is home to AquaDash – a large pool inflatable course – great fun for young people, team building away days, and parties. Spa facilities include a sauna, spa bath and steam room.
Mountbatten offers a broad health and wellbeing programme which focuses on helping people with long-term conditions to stay active and build their confidence in one one-on-one or group settings.
Mountbatten is also home to a Clip ‘N Climb leisure attraction and an eight-court sports hall where multi-sport activities and events are held throughout the year in partnership with local clubs and schools. An outdoor velodrome and athletics track hosts regular training, events and competitions throughout the year.
Open to members and non members a Terrace Café has free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks.
From August 2024, ANPR will be in operation. There is free customer parking for up to four hours seven days a week with accessible spaces for Blue Badge holders. Charges apply for longer stays – see car park signage for details.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten
Get social with us:
Facebook – @mountbattenlc
Instagram – @bhliveactive