Many of us are guilty when it comes to slobbing out over the winter months (apologies of course to those of you who trained for the marathon!). When it's cold and dark outside, we just want to curl up on the sofa with a bottle of wine and a pizza, keeping those wobbly bits firmly disguised under lots of woolly layers.
However, the sun is shining and the evenings are lighter so now is the time to get fit. But if the thought of the treadmill makes you want to run to your mum for a sick note, don't despair. Simply read on for some alternative and enjoyable ways to keep fit in London. You can always go to the pub afterwards...
Dancing
Guys, don't stop reading here! Dismiss images of ballet or morris dancing and think of Mark Ramprakash and Darren Gough in Strictly Come Dancing. If world class cricketers are doing it then so can you! London has a huge variety of dance classes for men and women of all levels and an hour's dancing can burn up hundreds of calories.
The Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden offer more classes than any other studio in Europe - almost 40 different styles. So, whether you fancy Street Jazz or Bollywood Grooves, Classical Ballet or Ballroom check out www.pineapple.uk.com. Other large dance studios offering an excellent range of classes include Danceworks, www.danceworks.co.uk, in Balderton Street opposite Selfridges and The Place, www.theplace.org.uk in Duke's Road, just off Euston Road.
Horseriding
Lost yet another bet on the Grand National and think you could have ridden better yourself? Then why not try horseriding? There are a number of stables in London and it's never too late to learn. Wimbledon Village Stables, www.wvstables.com, the oldest stables in Britain, welcomes riders of all levels. They run a range of short courses for complete beginners including a one day course. It's not cheap at £175 but a private instructor will take you through the basics and leave you raring to go.
The riding school at Hyde Park Stables, www.hydeparkstables.com, offers you the opportunity to ride next to the Serpentine but riding in this beautiful setting comes at a price, group lessons cost from £49 per hour. For more affordable horseriding, visit the Lee Valley Riding School in East London, www.leevalleypark.org.uk. If you've never ridden before you can try their half hour taster session 'Have-A-Go' for just £13.50. An hour's group lesson costs £23.20.
\n\nFreerunning
You couldn't help but be impressed by the freerunning scene in the latest Bond movie, Casino Royale, but you don't need to go all the way to Madagascar to try it out. Urban Freeflow, www.urbanfreeflow.com, run adult classes at the Moberly Sports and Education Centre in Kensal Rise for just £5 per session. People of all levels are welcome and the two hour class teaches a range of skills that will have you vaulting, jumping and somersaulting all over the streets of the capital!
Climbing
Who needs the Alps or the Pyrenees when there are some great climbing facilities in London? Climbing is an excellent form of exercise, great for fitness, strength and flexibility. The Castle, www.castle-climbing.co.uk, in Stoke Newington is a popular climbing centre which offers a wide range of facilities and lessons. Why not go for an hour's taster session in which an experienced instructor will introduce you to the sport? For details of all London's climbing walls log onto www.ukclimbing.com.
Ice Skating
What better than a whole load of ice to cool you down? There are some excellent ice rinks in London and once again, ice skating is not just for the girls, as Kyran Bracken proved in Dancing on Ice! Why not take a trip to the Lee Valley Ice Centre, www.leevalleypark.org.uk? This huge rink offers a host of activities including figure skating, ice hockey and disco nights with a music and light show. It is also home to a National Learn to Skate Programme and lessons are available at all levels. There are also ice rinks at Streatham, www.streathamicearena.co.uk, Alexandra Palace, www.alexandrapalace.com and the Sobell Centre in Islington, www.aquaterra.org
Skating and Rollerblading
If you'd prefer to skate on dry land, log on to www.citiskate.co.uk for details of rollerblading in London. Citiskate run four and five week courses which take place in Hyde Park, Victoria and Kew and the Absolute Beginners course covers essentials such as stopping and falling! A four week course costs £145 which includes rental skates that you keep for the duration or £105 if you provide your own. Once you are able to stop at speed and handle more challenging terrain you can join in the Friday Night Skate which is held over a variety of routes.
\n\nWatersports
The Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre has access to Millwall Dock and the River Thames and offers 25 acres of sheltered water, excellent for those who wish to learn one of a variety of watersports in a safe environment. For further information on activities including sailing, canoeing, dragon boating and rowing log on to www.dswc.org. The British Canoe Union website, www.bcu.org.uk, also provides useful details on where you can learn to canoe and kayak around London.
Fencing
Fencing is becoming an increasingly popular sport. Madonna took lessons for her role in Die Another Day and the good news is that you can burn up to 450 calories an hour while improving coordination, concentration, endurance and stamina. The London Fencing Club, www.londonfencingclub.co.uk, in EC1 welcomes people of all levels and runs a six week introductory course for £99.
There is a huge range of Martial Arts classes in London so if you fancy yourself as a bit of a kung fu fighter, check out All in London's comprehensive list of Martial Arts Instruction. Martial arts encompasses a wide range of approaches which can improve strength, stamina, flexibility, concentration and self confidence. Why not check out the Japanese Jujitsu which teaches you to use the power from your attackers weight and strength and is excellent for self defence or the African-Brazilian Capoeira, www.londonschoolofcapoeira.co.uk, a martial art which combines dance, music and fighting forms.
Military Fitness
British Military Fitness (BMF) is the UK’s largest military style fitness provider offering one of the most effective ways to get in shape. BMF is not a ‘Boot Camp’ style workout – there’s no intimidation factor to get people exercising. It’s all about creating a motivating environment and maximising team spirit in the great outdoors.
Additional facts about BMF:
• Instructors are serving or ex-armed forces physical training instructors.
• Over 13,000 members workout across 80 local parks throughout the UK and this number is growing every week.
• Classes are designed for all abilities, men and women, aged 16-65.
• Individuals can burn on average 640 calories per session.
Best of all everyone’s introductory session is FREE!
So, take your pick and get out there and get fit!
