When Bailey Greetham-Clark founded Be Great Fitness as a teenager during the pandemic, he didn’t set out to build a business — he set out to help people move, feel better and stay connected at a time when isolation was at its worst. Five years on, his work has transformed thousands of lives across Lincolnshire and beyond, particularly among older adults living in care homes.

Bailey was recognised for his work with Be Great Fitness, when he was awarded the Outstanding Service to Sport & Physical Activity Award, sponsored by the Fitness Group, at the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Awards 2025.

Overcoming Barriers to Movement

Many older adults in care homes face significant barriers to physical activity: reduced mobility, fear of falling, limited access to instructors, and a lack of inclusive programmes. These challenges can lead to declining physical health, increased isolation, and poorer mental wellbeing.

Bailey recognised these challenges and set out to change the narrative around ageing and movement, showing that it’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of staying active.

The Benefits of Physical Activity for Older Adults

The impact of regular movement on older adults is clear and far reaching:

• Reduces the risk of falls by improving balance and coordination.

• Supports physical strength and cardiovascular health, helping residents stay independent for longer.

• Boosts confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing, creating a sense of achievement.

• Fosters social connection, reducing isolation and building meaningful relationships.

Each week, Bailey and his team visit care homes across Lincolnshire to deliver chair-based and adapted exercise sessions. These sessions do far more than improve physical health: residents who had once disengaged from activity are now moving again, laughing, connecting, and building confidence. Care staff report improvements in mobility, reduced fall risks, and a noticeable boost in mood and wellbeing.

Bailey's motto is 'Owt is better than nowt' and he will work with care home residents where they are currently, rather than trying them to do something they can't do. He works with what people can do, and develops exercises from that, building up strength and fitness with enjoyable challenges.

Joy, Dignity, and Choice

Perhaps the biggest transformation is how residents feel. For many, these sessions are a highlight of the week - a moment of joy, dignity, and independence in a setting where choice can sometimes be limited.

Bailey’s work shows that movement is not just about fitness; it’s about quality of life. Physical activity can empower older adults, improve mental health, and create spaces for connection and fun, all within the care home environment. The fun and joyous nature of his approach to physical activity for older adults is perhaps one of the reasons that Bailey video's of his work on TikTok have taken off so much - he now has over 120, 000 followers on his channel.

Bailey’s impact doesn’t stop there. Recognising that many care homes lack access to specialist instructors, he created an online exercise platform, bringing inclusive, seated workouts to care homes across the UK. This has been especially valuable for rural homes and those with limited budgets, ensuring geography is no longer a barrier to staying active.

Alongside his work in care homes, Be Great Fitness also delivers energising movement sessions in schools and community settings. From assemblies to wellbeing days, his programmes are designed to improve confidence, focus and behaviour, especially for children facing adversity. His message is always the same: movement should be fun, welcoming and for everyone.

What truly sets Bailey apart is his commitment to inclusivity. His work supports people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and those often excluded from traditional sport and fitness. Every session is adapted, accessible and delivered with empathy and care.

Today, Be Great Fitness continues to grow, but its purpose remains unchanged: to help people move with confidence, joy and dignity. Through his energy, compassion and innovation, Bailey Greetham Clark is redefining what active ageing looks like.

Hear from Bailey about his motivations for beginning Be Great Fitness, the work they are doing and how they have gained over 120,000 TikTok followers in this video filmed for the Sport & Physical Activity Awards.

Find out more

Find out more about Be Great Fitness on their website.

Hear more from Bailey and his work in Care homes in the All About People podcast.

Photos: shotbyjen