New £3 Women's Fitness Sessions Launch at Chelmsford's Dovedale Leisure Centre
Women in Chelmsford will soon be able to take part in supervised strength-training sessions for just £3, as a popular council-backed fitness programme expands to Dovedale Leisure Centre.
Chelmsford City Council has confirmed that its Women Time Weights programme will launch at Dovedale on Wednesday 4 November 2026, offering beginners the opportunity to build confidence using gym equipment in a supportive environment.
The new sessions follow the success of a pilot programme at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre, where demand has been strong enough for additional classes to become part of the centre's regular timetable.
The initiative is designed to encourage more women to take part in physical activity, particularly those who may feel uncomfortable or intimidated when visiting a gym for the first time.
When Are the Dovedale Sessions?
The programme will run for 12 weeks, with weekly 45-minute sessions led by an instructor experienced in supporting women through different stages of life, including perimenopause and menopause.
Sessions are aimed at beginners, although women of all ages are welcome.
Participants can book by telephoning the leisure centre or visiting reception.
The sessions will take place during quieter periods in the gym, although the facilities will remain open to other customers.
Helping Women Feel More Confident in the Gym
Women Time Weights forms part of Chelmsford City Council's wider Women Time initiative, which aims to reduce barriers to physical activity by offering affordable, welcoming opportunities for women.
The programme focuses on resistance training, helping participants learn how to use weights and gym equipment safely while progressing at their own pace.
Regular strength training can help improve muscle strength, balance and overall fitness. It can be particularly beneficial as people get older and naturally begin to lose muscle mass.
The council says the sessions are designed to give participants the knowledge and confidence to continue exercising independently.
Councillor Jennie Lardge, Chelmsford City Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, welcomed the programme's expansion.
She said:
"Supervised sessions are a fantastic way to try something you find daunting and to get comfortable in a new environment."
She added that feeling intimidated by the gym is common, particularly among women, and that leisure centre staff are available to help newcomers become comfortable with the facilities.
More Sessions Planned Across Chelmsford
Following the Dovedale launch, the council plans to introduce Women Time Weights at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre in January 2027.
The proposed programme will begin during the week of 11 January, with two weekly sessions:
- Tuesdays, 1pm–1.45pm
- Sundays, 5pm–5.45pm
These sessions will also cost £3 each and are expected to run for 12 weeks.
Bookings are not yet open, but residents can register their interest through Chelmsford City Council's Women Time webpage.
Meanwhile, Women Time Weights is already available at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre, where sessions take place on Fridays at 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
The South Woodham Ferrers classes are included for eligible monthly members, while casual customers can book at standard class prices.
How to Book
Anyone interested in joining the new Dovedale sessions should contact the centre on 01245 605685 or visit reception before the programme begins on Wednesday 4 November.
Those wishing to take advantage of the £30 block-booking offer must sign up before the start date.
Further information about the programme and other women-only activities is available on the Chelmsford City Council Women Time webpage.
Source: Chelmsford City Council, 28 October 2026.