Fitness & Wellbeing Clubs for the Armed Forces Community

Staying fit and protecting your mental wellbeing isn’t just about physical performance, for the Armed Forces community, it’s a vital part of transition, recovery, resilience, and long-term health.

Across the UK and online, there are now dozens of Forces-friendly fitness groups, football clubs, walking football sessions, bootcamps, wellness services, and gyms designed specifically for:

• Serving personnel
• Veterans
• Reservists
• Military families
• Older veterans
• Women in the Armed Forces community
  

Through Troopr, you can find verified fitness and wellbeing opportunities in one place, whether you’re looking to train, coach, compete, recover, socialise, or work.

Why Fitness & Wellbeing Matter in the Armed Forces Community

Military life places unique physical and psychological demands on individuals and families. Fitness and wellbeing support can help with:

• Injury recovery and rehabilitation
• Managing anxiety, stress, and PTSD
• Combating isolation after leaving service
• Regaining confidence during transition
• Maintaining routine and purpose

Unlike civilian life, the Armed Forces community often faces:

• Disrupted routines
• Relocations
• Deployment stress
• Transition gaps
• Injury and long-term conditions
  

That’s why Forces-specific wellbeing support is so important — and why Troopr brings it all together.

Gyms Offering Armed Forces & Veterans Discounts in the UK

Alongside specialist veteran fitness groups, many mainstream gym chains, council leisure centres, and independent gyms also offer exclusive Armed Forces discounts for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families.

Nationwide Gym Chains Offering Armed Forces Discounts

PureGym (UK-wide)
PureGym regularly offers discounted or zero joining fees for the Armed Forces community through their partnership with Defence Discount Service. With 24/7 access and no long-term contracts, it’s ideal for those who move frequently or work irregular hours.

Nuffield Health Gyms (UK-wide)
Nuffield Health provides substantial Armed Forces and Blue Light discounts on gym memberships. Many locations include:

• Swimming pools
• Saunas & steam rooms
• Physiotherapy services
• Health MOTs
  

Everyone Active Leisure Centres (UK-wide)
Everyone Active manages hundreds of council leisure centres across the UK and offers concession gym memberships for:

• Serving personnel
• Veterans
• Emergency services
• Carers
  
  Link to updated Discounts Page

Fitness & Wellbeing Groups for Veterans & Serving Personnel

Whether you want to get fitter, try something new, or just move your body with people who get it, these groups are built for the Armed Forces community.

Multi-Sport & General Fitness

For building strength, routine and motivation, no matter your starting point.

• Fitter Ex-Forces: Fitness Training – North West & Isle of Man. Veteran-led fitness training sessions supporting physical health and teamwork.
• Fitter Ex-Forces: Fitness Training (Female Only) – Nationwide. Women-only veteran fitness training providing a supportive space to rebuild strength and confidence.
• Glasgow’s Veterans United: Health & Fitness Program – Scotland (Lowlands). A health and fitness programme helping veterans improve wellbeing through structured physical training.
• Weekly Fitness Bootcamp – North East. High-energy weekly bootcamp sessions for veterans to boost fitness and motivation.
• Step 2 It: Fitness Challenge with Fundraising – Remote. An online fitness challenge combining physical activity with fundraising for good causes.

Want something near you?

Search fitness groups by location

Football & Walking Football for Veterans

Football is one of the most popular ways veterans stay active and connected after service. Whether you’re competitive, returning after a long break, or just want a reason to get out of the house, From fast-paced five-a-side to low-impact walking football, there’s something for every ability, age and confidence level.

Competitive & Recreational Football

AFC Foundation: Free Football Training for Armed Forces – North West & Isle of Man. Free football training sessions for Armed Forces personnel and veterans.

Fitter Ex-Forces: Football Training – South East. Veteran-only football training focused on fitness, teamwork, and wellbeing.

Veterans Football 5-a-Side Tournaments – North East. Competitive but friendly football tournaments for veterans.

Regular Veterans Football supporting recovery, fitness, and connection in:

• Darlington
• Durham
• Edinburgh
• Gateshead
• Liverpool
• Middlesbrough
• Plymouth
• Sunderland
  

Walking Football (Over 50s & Inclusive)

• Men’s Walking Football Group – South East, South West, West Midlands. Low-impact football for men over 50 to stay active and social.
• Unisex Walking Football Group (Over 50s) – West Midlands. Inclusive walking football for over 50s of all genders.
• Women’s Walking Football Group – North West & Isle of Man. Supportive women-only walking football for over 50s.
• Veterans Walking Football: Sunderland – North East. Low-impact walking football tailored for veterans.

Looking for a kickabout near you?

Find veterans football by location

Adventure, Family & Specialist Fitness Activities

​​If the gym or team sports don’t feel right, these activities offer a different way to reset. Adventure and specialist programmes can play a powerful role in recovery, confidence-building and reconnecting with others, whether on your own or with family.

Many of these opportunities are free or heavily subsidised and designed specifically for the Armed Forces community and their families. You don’t need prior experience,  just a willingness to give it a go.

• Rock Climbing & Clip ‘N Climb for Veterans and Families – North West & Isle of Man
• Families' Activity Breaks (FAB): Free UK activity camps for bereaved military families; includes kayaking, rafting, biking, and climbing.
• Little Troopers: “All Together” weekends with bushcraft and kayaking for families before, during, or after deployment.
• Calvert Kielder: Accessible adventure breaks in Kielder for serving personnel, veterans, and families; activities include zip coaster, high ropes, and canoeing.
• Woodland Xperiences: Eco-therapy adventure camps using woodland activities to support recovery and growth.
• The Annington Challenge: Free residential camps for military young people (10–19), with sailing, climbing, abseiling, and wild camping.

Wellness Coaching Support Services

• Warrior Wellness Movement – Remote. Online wellness sessions supporting veterans’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
• Wellness & Reliance Coaching – Remote. Remote coaching focused on building confidence, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

Supports:

• Stress management
• Recovery
• Injury confidence
• Post-service lifestyle change
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do veterans need ID for gym discounts?
Yes. Most providers require a Veteran ID Card, MOD ID, or Defence Discount Service verification.

Are reservists eligible for gym discounts?
Yes. Many schemes include reservists with valid service identification.

Are gym discounts available for military spouses?
Some locations extend offers to spouses and dependants, but this varies by provider.

Do I have to pay for the fitness and football activities?
Some sessions are fully funded by charities, while others may require a small contribution depending on the provider and location.

Do I need to be physically fit to take part?
No. Activities range from gentle walking, football and wellness coaching to high-intensity bootcamps and adventure sports.

Are there women-only options available?
Yes. Several organisations offer female-only fitness, football, and wellbeing sessions.

Are there activities for over-50s?
Yes. Walking football and low-impact fitness options are specifically designed for older veterans.

Are family-friendly activities available?
Yes. Many organisations offer activities for veterans and their families, including climbing, football, and outdoor adventure sessions.

Do these programmes support mental wellbeing as well as physical fitness?
Yes. Many combine physical activity with peer support, confidence building, and mental health recovery.