Online classes for lockdown: courses to try in Lancashire - from art to fitness and learning a new language

If you’re all caught up on your favourite Netflix shows, or you’ve exhausted your general knowledge during the family Zoom quiz, there are plenty of fun courses and classes available online to keep you occupied during lockdown.

Whether you’re hoping to get fit, learn a new language, or hone your singing skills, we’ve rounded up some of the best online classes in the Lancashire area.

Get in touch if you run a class or course that you’d like to add to our list.

Health and fitness

Everybody Fit in Preston is running a full week’s timetable of live classes via Zoom, from HIIT to clubbercise and Tabata training. For more details, visit the Everybody Fit website.

Amanda Rogers School of Dance and Performing Arts in Hutton is running online fitness classes every morning from 9-10am, alongside mix of HIIT, body workout, and body sculpt on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5-6pm. The school has also moved all of its dance classes online. For more information, email [email protected]

Pilates by Andrea hosts three live classes online every week for all levels of ability. The classes cost £20 for a four week block; for more details, visit the website or call 07986 699530.

West Coast Martial Arts, Fulwood is running online martial arts classes for kids aged four to six years and seven to 12 years, as well as teen and adult bootcamps.

Leyland aerial fitness gym Cirquefit has also moved classes online during lockdown, with the strength and flexibility sessions requiring minimal equipment. More information, email [email protected]

Carol May's Academy in Preston is running a full dance timetable online for all age groups. For more details, email [email protected]

Arts and crafts

Atelier Arts in Clitheroe is running its weekly art classes online via Zoom. The classes cost £45 for six weekly sessions, or a one-off session for £10. 'Inspired by Artists' is the theme for this term. For more information, email [email protected]

Preston Art Society has put together a programme of Zoom meetings so that members can keep in touch. The meetings will take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7.30pm. For membership enquiries, email [email protected]

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft is run by north-west based community artist and tutor, Chrissy. She is providing a series of online craft workshops through ClassBento. Kits containing the materials for each class can be ordered for delivery to your home.

Singing

Do-Re-Mi Singing continues to run weekly Zoom lessons for teens, covering both pop and musical theatre techniques. Classes are £5 per week for a 40-minute lesson focusing on vocal technique using visual aids. Also on offer are private one-to-one lessons, costing £10 for 30 minutes. For more information, email [email protected] or call 07738365308.

Languages

The University of Central Lancashire’s Worldwise Learning Centre is offering a range of language courses using the Rosetta Stone software. Over 20 languages are available to study at a range of levels, from Arabic to Spanish, Japanese, and Russian. You can register for this programme at any time during the year.

For kids

Hartbeeps Preston is delivering its musical and performing classes online for babies and young children, costing £12 for four sessions.

Little Voices Preston is hosting online performing arts lessons weekly for kids ages four and up. The sessions cover drama, singing, performing, musical theatre, and LAMDA training, with a focus on fun, friendship, and confidence building. For further details, email [email protected]

Pets

Preston Trick Dogs teaches fun tricks and activities for all ages of handlers and dogs. The team has been delivering dog training classes since last March via Zoom. Recent classes involved learning how to pivot, to go under a hula hoop placed on the floor, and to hold a cane or umbrella. For more information or to book a spot, visit the website.