Milan Council Launches Free Fitness Programmes for Seniors Across the City

From Monday morning Pilates at Parco Sempione to gentle cycling sessions along the Naviglio Grande, Milan’s elderly residents are discovering new reasons to lace up their trainers: the Comune di Milano has rolled out an expanded series of free senior fitness classes, effective from 1 July, in a bid to combat inactivity and social isolation among the city’s over-65s.

The decision comes as Milan marks a steady rise in its ageing population. According to the municipal statistics office, one in four residents is now over the age of 60. As public officials and health experts point to the long waiting lists for physiotherapy and rehabilitation at Ospedale Policlinico and other local clinics, the pressure is on for proactive, accessible wellness options outside of traditional healthcare settings.

Connecting Seniors at the Heart of the City

With the new council programme, familiar spaces take on renewed purpose. In Sempione Park, sign-ups for the weekly “Camminata in compagnia” (Walking in Company) reached 70 participants, with the majority coming from nearby Quartiere Sarpi and Corso Sempione. On Thursdays, attendees gather by Arco della Pace at 9:00am, led by Movimento Bene Association trainers. Over in Zona Navigli, the community centre at Via San Cristoforo 8 opens its doors each Tuesday and Friday morning for stretching and low-impact aerobics supported by the ATS Milano city health agency.

The joint initiative is part of the council’s "Milano Attiva" project, which was initially trialled in smaller quartieri such as Lambrate and Greco but is now extending across all nine municipal zones. Sessions take place in municipal parks, civic centres and public gymnasiums including the historic Centro Sportivo XXV Aprile on Via Cimabue. “It’s completely free,” confirmed a city spokesperson, “as long as you present a Milan residency card and register online or onsite.”

A Move Towards Prevention

Nearly 300,000 Milanese are aged over 65, and city health data shows roughly 41% report doing little or no regular physical activity. The cost barrier for private gyms or studios (averaging €60 monthly membership across central Milan) has consistently ranked among the top deterrents. By offering council-funded programmes, authorities hope to improve joint mobility, balance and cardiovascular health while reducing loneliness—conditions flagged in a 2025 ATS report as growing risks for Milan’s senior population.

All equipment is provided at each session, from exercise mats to resistance bands. Most classes are capped at 25-30 participants to ensure personalised attention. Safety protocols remain strict: medical staff attend events at larger venues such as Centro Sportivo Saini on Via Corelli, and in cases of extreme summer heat, outdoor classes are relocated to shaded indoor halls or rescheduled.

For those interested, full schedules can be found on the Comune di Milano website, which is updated weekly. Residents are encouraged to consult their general practitioner at Ospedale Fatebenefratelli or local ASST clinics if they have mobility concerns before signing up. For many Milanesi, however, the city’s new no-cost fitness calendar offers a rare opportunity to connect, move, and reclaim the joys of wellness—no gym contract or credit card required.