Disclosure: I may earn a small commission from the companies or products mentioned in this post.
January is upon us once again, which means everyone is starting on those New Years Resolutions. Did you know that the second most popular New Years resolution in the UK this year is to exercise more, falling only behind eating better?
Living in London it can sometimes feel difficult to get the right amount of exercise, whether it’s down to not having the time or the right resources. For me, a significant barrier to staying fit in London is the extortionate gym membership fees – seriously, who pays £150 a month!?
So to help others in this situation I’ve put together a list of 5 cheaper ways to get fit in London this year…
1. Ditch the Public Transport and Walk!
London is not only a safe and beautiful city to walk around, but many places are actually a lot closer to each other than you may think. Check out the maps below to see if you could get some exercise and walk rather than getting on the dreaded tube.
2. Jump on a Boris Bike
£2 for unlimited use for 24 hours (well, as long as you stick to the 30 minute slots). Hiring a TFL bike is much cheaper than a return journey on the tube, and you get your daily dose of fitness.
I often cycle to and from work during the warmer summer months. This means I get over 2 hours of exercise every day, without having to drag myself to the gym in the evening, and I get to see so much more of the city (plenty of spontaneous photo ops!).
However, if cycling isn’t an easy commuting option for you, you can still make the most of the bikes in your free time. Rather than heading into central on the tube every weekend, find somewhere interesting in your local area and cycle there!
3. Join a Free Run Club
Nike+ Run Club – Runners of all abilities can join Nike’s free weekly run club, starting from either Nike Central Kings Cross or Niketown Oxford Street and heading through the streets of London. The runs are accompanied by pros and there is even an app which you can download and use to design your own training plan and track your process. Whether you’re training for your first 5k or your 10th marathon, or simply looking for a social run with like-minded people, the Nike+ run club is a great free way motivate your self to get going.
From summer 2017 Nike is also introducing Nike Training Club – free endurance and mobility fitness classes in Hyde Park, Battersea Park and Victoria Park.
Also, try out Park Run!
4. Shop Around for Introductory Deals on Classes
One thing I’ve realized lately is that I am far more productive during a 1 hour fitness class than I am spending 2 hours in the gym trudging along slowly on a treadmill. Having an instructor and a group to work out with leads to greater motivation and therefore a workout that actually has me aching the next day.
Plus, in a time of increasing competition, many companies offer amazing introductory deals to new clients in order to draw in business to their classes.
Shopping around and making the most of these deals is a great way to save money. An added bonus is that you get to try out a few new things and decide what type of exercise suits you best before investing in something more permanent.
Here are a few suggestions to get you going…
Swift Fitness – Swift Fitness offers group boot camp sessions with expert personal trainers in Clapham Common, Fulham, Brockwell Park, London Bridge, Battersea Park, Highbury Fields, Tooting and Green Park. They offer a 30 day free trial and promise there will be no hard sell at the end. When I joined, I also managed to pick up a great introductory deal of 6 PAYG sessions for £19 (usually £15 per session), so make sure you keep an eye out for special offers like this one too.
After the introduction, an unlimited monthly pass is £53 or £31 for students and key workers. With sessions running every day in different locations across the city, this is pretty good value for money!
Side note: Swift sessions are fantastic and I’d definitely recommend – the best fitness classes I’ve ever been to.
Photos from Swift Fitness Group Website
The Power Yoga Company – If you’re looking to improve your strength, balance and flexibility in a cute little yoga studio which just screams South West London then give The Power Yoga Company in Fulham a try. They have an introductory offer of 4 sessions for £20 (which must be used within 20 days), plus 20% off any additional sessions you book during this time.
Maybe one day I’ll look like this!
Boom Cycle – Ever tried a spin class? No me neither, but it looks like a great workout. Plus Boom Cycle has a studio centrally located in the heart of the city so it’s perfect for after-work classes. Check out their introductory offer of 3 classes for £35.
Photo from Boom Cycle’s website
5. Combine Fitness with Fun
If you’re the type of person who thinks spending any money whatsoever on exercise is a waste, and therefore have taken no notice of my ideas above, how about combining exercise with fun activities so you feel like you’re getting something extra out of it?
Free Jumping – Oxygen Freejumping in Acton is London’s first trampoline park. Bounce around on the 150 interconnected trampolines whilst practising tricks into the giant airbag and squishy foam pit. An hour free jumping slot is £12.50 or join a 60 minute group fitness class for just £10. This is a great way to combine a fun afternoon out with friends and a workout.
Photo from Oxygen Freejumping’s website
Flip Out London E6 – Work a whole host of different muscles jumping, climbing, caving and sliding around London’s biggest trampoline and adventure park. After 3 hours of fun, it’s safe to say I ached more the next day than after any gym session I’ve ever done!
Get Dancing! – Surprise everyone on your next night out and learn to dance. Groupon is full of beginners dance classes, with everything from salsa and tango to street dance or even belly dancing, for as little as £2.50 per session.
What advice would you give someone looking to get fit on a budget in London?
Emily is a born and raised London girl, starting life in the north of the capital then moving down to Fulham in the southwest. She has a master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London and now works full-time running this blog and as a freelance travel writer, splitting her life between London and travelling the world as a digital nomad.
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