Combining the benefits of structured physiotherapy and the fun of the silent disco, Disco Physio is the hidden gem for those who want to move their bodies and nurture their minds. 

“Disco Physio is a fun and energising fitness class run in headphones that includes core strength, flexibility and cardio - all set to a groovy disco beat,” says physiotherapist and seasoned silent disco host Dave Hall.

The concept came to him in 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, at a time when people were looking for incentives to exercise outside while keeping a healthy distance from one another.

“I had been a Physio for over 20 years in a silent disco host for over six years, and it occurred to me to blend these two concepts together,” Mr Hall said.

For the uninitiated, silent discos involve participants wearing headphones, while singing and dancing, completely uninhibited.

“Our tours encourage, play, love and laughter among groups of people in public spaces,” Mr Hall said.

“Participants wear headphones we sing and dance and create fun with the environment around us.

“Silent discos have been very popular at festivals, and also private events such as birthdays and hen’s parties.”

Disco Physio follow the same concept, only there’s an additional purpose to the classes. 

“Disco Physio classes are fun and a little bit silly,” Mr Hall said.

“But behind that there is a recognisable structure to the class whereby we warmup and cool down.

“We do core stability exercises with resistance bands, we do stretches, so behind the laughter and silliness there is a lot of physical well-being benefits.

“The class has also developed a fabulous group of regulars who also enjoy each other’s company and enjoy the social connection as well.”

Mr Hall said the class focuses on the four Fs: flexibility, fitness, fortitude, and fun.

While most participants are middle aged, Mr Hall said all ages attend the sessions, from small children, all the way through to people in their eighties. 

“I’ve been really delighted with how the class has gone from strength to strength over the past couple of years, and we always have healthy numbers every week now, even when the weather is looking dicey,” he said.

“The aim of the class is to get fit without realising you’re getting fit because you’re having so much fun.

“I’m also delighted by the social connections that are happening within the class members, more and more over time.”

Mr Hall said while most people are away of the importance of regular movement and exercise, the challenge is to make it interesting and fun.

“This class definitely ticks all those boxes.

“It’s focusing on physical well-being, but through laughter and silliness there’s certainly a lot of mental well-being advantages as well.”