Senior sports

Source: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/studentenleven/um-sports-you/senior-sports Parent: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Age should not be a barrier to an active lifestyle. That is why people over 55in Maastricht can exercise at UM SPORTS. Besides the extensive sports facilities, there is a comprehensive sports programme especially for seniors. Think for example of supervised fitness and group lessons that can be either active or relaxing. The possibilities are diverse and tailored to the different needs and preferences of senior citizens in Maastricht.

Physical and social

UM SPORTS' sports programmes have different levels of fitness and mobility so that everyone can participate at their own pace. Besides the physical benefits, the social aspect is also very important. Our sports activities bring people together, create opportunities for new friendships and strengthen existing contacts. Senior athletes encourage each other and share experiences while working towards a healthy(er) lifestyle. After the sports activity, socialising continues over coffee and cake in our UM SPORTS Café.

Our senior sports offer

Currently, our sports offer for seniors (55+'ers) consists of the following activities:  

• Senior Gym Workout
• Senior Tai Chi
• Senior Spinning (indoor cycling)
• Senior Move to Music
• Senior Circuit Training
• Senior Yoga
• Senior Boxing
• Senior Line Dance
• Senior Qigong
• Senior Self-Defense
• Senior PickleBall
• Senior Pilates

Enjoy discounted work outs with our off-peak subscription

As a senior member of UM SPORTS, you can exercise at a discount rate from Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 15:00h. These are also the times when our special senior activities take place. The prices for this membership are the same as the rates for membership category 3.  

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Contact UM SPORTS

• Email: umsports@maastrichtuniversity.nl
• Telephone: 043 388 5311
• Address: P. Debyeplein 15, 6229 HA Maastricht
• Opening hours: Mon to Fri from 07:00 - 23:00, weekends from 09:00 - 21:00

Always free parking in front of the door.

Schedule

\ * This schedule is subject to change. For the most up-to-date schedule, click HERE.

Senior Gym Workout

During this fitness session for seniors, we combine low-impact aerobic exercises with strength training and flexibility exercises. Gentle cardio exercises, such as stationary cycling or brisk walking on the treadmill, get the heart pumping and promote cardiovascular health without putting too much strain on your joints. Strength training is an essential component where we use resistance bands, light weights or bodyweight exercises, among others. You will do exercises such as modified squats, push-ups and planks to maintain muscle mass and improve functional strength for your daily activities. 

Senior Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient movement form from China that balances body and mind. The movements are fluid and there is a smooth transition between postures. Tai chi movements seem simple, but to perform them correctly you need attention and practice. Thus, you are mindful in movement. Tai chi improves your balance and coordination, strengthens muscles and supports joint flexibility. The relaxing exercises loosen muscles and joints. This makes tai chi very suitable for older people who are looking for a gentle way of moving that still has positive effects on the body. 

Senior Spinning (indoor cycling)

Spinning is a low-threshold sport where you cycle indoors on a stationary bike to the rhythm of rousing music. During the senior spinning class, you cycle at your own pace. You can challenge yourself by increasing the bike's resistance, if you like. That way, you can safely work on a healthy and strong body. Never cycled indoors before? No worries. Our enthusiastic and skilled instructor will explain how the bikes work and surprise you every time with a well-constructed class and stimulating music. 

Senior Move to Music

During this group class, the main thing is to have fun. Our experienced fitness instructor lets you warm up gently first. Then you will work on a mix of cardio exercises, strength training and flexibility moves, all to music. The classes are specially designed for seniors to perfectly suit their needs. This class is not only about physical exertion, but also about fun and mental stimulation. After an intense session, the class ends with a calming cooldown and stretches. Fancy joining us? 

Senior Circuit Training

During this group workout, you will train all muscle groups. Under the guidance of an instructor, you will do various exercises and also work on your fitness. You can use all kinds of materials, such as weights, balls, steps or your own body weight. You can do all the exercises at your own level. Our enthusiastic instructor helps you and ensures safety in the group. Of course, fun is also at the heart of this class.

Senior Yoga

The exercises in our senior yoga classes tend to be calmer and less intense than in traditional yoga classes, and focus on improving flexibility, mobility, balance and strength in older adults.

Benefits of senior yoga include

• Improved flexibility: Gentle stretching exercises help promote flexibility in muscles and joints, which can make daily activities easier.
• Strengthening muscles: Light weight training exercises can maintain or increase muscle strength, which is essential for performing daily tasks.
• Improved balance and stability: Specific exercises can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
• Reduce stress and promote relaxation: Breathing techniques and meditation can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
• Circulation stimulation: Exercise improves circulation, which has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

Senior Yoga is accessible to people of all fitness levels and can be adapted to suit individual health needs and limitations. The aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment in which older people can work responsibly on their health. 

Senior Boxing

Each participant has their own punching bag to practice Olympic boxing punching techniques. These lessons are an excellent way to improve your technique, fitness, coordination, and reaction speed.\ \ The lessons are suitable for both beginners and advanced participants, so anyone can join at any time.\ \

Senior Line Dance

Although line dancing is best known for country music, it can be done to all types of music. It is a form of dance in which everyone performs the same steps in lines, creating a sense of unity and rhythm. In our line dancing class, you will learn the basics and step-by-step routines with simple movements that develop into fun group dances.

No dance experience? No worries! This class is beginner-friendly and is all about having fun while exercising!

Senior Qigong

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on cultivating and regulating the body's life energy (Qi). It combines meditative postures, breathing techniques, and targeted movements to promote the flow of energy in the body.

Qigong can be healing on both a physical and mental level. It strengthens our immune system, promotes a sense of inner peace and balance, and gives us tools to influence and improve our own well-being.

Senior Self-Defense

Self-defense for seniors focuses on increasing safety, self-confidence, and resilience in later life. The lessons are specially tailored to the bodies and needs of people over 50, with an emphasis on simple but effective techniques. The focus is on prevention, recognizing dangerous situations, and how to defend yourself safely. An added bonus is that your physical fitness improves.

Senior PickleBall

PickleBall is a mix between badminton, tabletennis and tennis. During the practices, everyone is welcome to play! From beginner to experienced players. You can come alone or with a friend. There will be an instructor present in case you have any questions.

Senior Pilates

During this class, you will work on your balance, posture, strength and stability by doing Pilates-based exercises. Sometimes the exercises will be on a mat, sometimes you will use props such as a ball or a chair. The movements will be easy on the joints. The exercises can help improve your coordination and gait, strengthen the muscles, maintain mobility and even help reduce the risk of falls. It’s a great way to stay strong and flexible!