Packing your gym bag with a feeling of dread? The familiar pilgrimage from desk to treadmill marks the start of another year packed with good intentions. But by the end of January, over one third of us will have packed in our post-work gym visits altogether. If you’re looking to make a change this year, read our top five alternative ways to exercise and discover a whole new world of adventure.
Niko Si Hooping
Park runs: Taking the world by storm, Parkrun organizes free weekly 5K timed runs that take place across the world on Saturday mornings. Aimed at all levels and abilities, the runs provide a sense of fun and comradeship without the elitism of a traditional running club. With the average member clocking up ten runs, it’s guaranteed to keep you puffing and panting way past January. (New members must register on the website.)
Kate Tettmar St Albans Parkrun
2) Dervish turning: For a spin class with a difference, head to the Study Society where you can try your hand at the dizzying dance of the whirling dervishes. The mystical Mevlevi Sufi dancing requires great powers of concentration and endurance. As you spin in a sea of swirling skirts, the stresses of the working day simply melt away. Providing a fantastic feeling of freedom, turning is a great work-out for both body and mind.
Slow turning lessons are available free of charge to beginners on the second and fourth Friday of every month (except August).
Read about my experience here.
Jean-Pierre D'albera Fete de la Musique
3) Bouldering: Requiring only rock shoes and a chalk bag, bouldering involves scaling walls of up to six metres without the aid of ropes or safety harnesses. One of the most challenging alternative ways to exercise, bouldering requires nerves of steel and a vice-like grip. In addition to improving finger strength, stamina, balance and flexibility, bouldering also enhances those problem-solving skills so esteemed in the corporate world. Search for a climbing wall in the UK near you.
Matthias Weinberger bouldering
4) Night hikes: If you enjoy hiking by day, you’ll love the challenge of hiking by night. Star-lit skies, swooping bats and swiftly changing terrains raise the adrenalin-levels on this nocturnal adventure. Be prepared: a five-mile hike can feel like running a marathon. Not surprisingly, night hiking helps to increase both stamina and endurance. Just don’t forget the spare batteries for your torch! Guided night hikes though Epping Forest are available through Curious Kat’s Adventure Club. Read about my experience here.
Niko Si Hooping
5) Hula hooping: Need to trim the tum after the Christmas excesses? Get hooping mad. One of the most fun alternative ways to exercise, hooping burns a whopping 210 calories per half hour while challenging your coordination and motor skills. If that wasn’t enough, it also enhances your balance, posture and poise. Hula Fit offer weekly classes in three different venues across London for a bargain £6.00 a session if booked in advance.
What alternative ways to exercise will you explore in 2016? We’d love to hear what you have planned.