Fitness Hacks: How to Get Fit For Free in LondonBy Annie Ross
Keeping fit in London doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Of course, the capital’s parks are the first port of call for a run around but if you’re looking for structure and prefer group activities with scheduled times, here’s the best free exercise in the city:
#1 For Runners
1. Parkrun
For runners, parkrun organise 5km races every Saturday morning, generally starting at 9am. Times are recorded at all of their 44 London locations so why not get a parkrun under your belt to benchmark your base fitness for 2015.
Find your nearest at parkrun.org.uk.
2. Nike + Run Clubs
Nike + Run Clubs set off from Nike stores in Oxford Circus, Covent Garden and the two Westfield outlets several evenings each week. Groups are set by ability so start somewhere you feel comfortable and see if you can progress towards a faster session. For the ladies, Nike Women put on even more freebies, with full-body workout sessions in parks around London.
Check the Facebook pages for Nike+ Run Club and Nike Women for departure times.
3. Sweatshop
If Nike’s locations don’t work for you, Sweatshop host evening runs from most of their 30 London stores. Bank, Tottenham Court Road, Fulham, Clapham, Notting Hill Gate and Holloway Road are some of the best.
Timings and venues can be found at sweatshop.co.uk.
2. For Strength
For those looking for a good strength workout, circuit training is sure to tick the box.
1. Project Awesome
Project Awesome are a sprightly group of energetic inspirers who have built a following keen enough to turn up to their dawn workout sessions twice a week. Meeting at 6.30am near London Bridge on Wednesdays and at Primrose Hill on Fridays, classes finish by 7.30am. For making fitness friendly, these guys win.
To find out when to join them, check in with projectawesomelondon.com.
2. The Bootcamp Meet-Up
The Bootcamp Meet-Up group hold workouts that incorporate games you might remember from the school playground. The games take your mind off the intensity of the class – somewhat ideal when you’re huffing and puffing to keep up. Head to Hyde Park, Battersea Park and Clapham Common on Sundays at 10.30am.
For more information check out Bootcamp’s meetup page.
3. For De-Stressing
Lastly, London’s free yoga scene is just getting going, with Lululemon and Sweaty Betty offering classes. Lululemon’s Covent Garden and Marylebone stores are hives of complimentary activity with weekday runs and weekend yoga. Meanwhile Sweaty Betty hosts after hours (women only) yoga, pilates and the occasional run club.
Check in at Lululemon’s Marylebone and Covent Garden stores for the schedule. Sweaty Betty’s clubs are listed at sweatybetty.com.
This selection of London’s zero cost exercise classes removes another excuse for delaying your health kick, and helps make it sustainable. All the groups mentioned here have a community feeling that adds to the fun so thank the generosity of the volunteers, get moving and enjoy!
