Fitness in London
The Brits may love their brew, but expats will find that fitness in London is nonetheless a priority for city-dwellers.
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One of the first things you'll notice upon moving to the metropolis is the abundance of runners and cyclists, particularly those wearing backpacks. Due to the ever-growing population and the often-congested city streets commuting and exercising go hand-in-hand here. Many professionals either run or cycle into work along designated routes.
Cycle lanes are marked along the majority of London’s busiest roads and Barclay’s bike centres are stationed throughout for easy access to rentable bicycles.
Furthermore, with the River Thames winding straight through the heart of the city, there is an abundance of running paths that allow you to take in London's best sights and scenes while you exercise. Many local running shops, such as Notting Hill’s Sweaty Betty or Clapham’s Sweatshop, also organise weekly training groups and fun runs.
In addition to running and cycling, London offers a wealth of other fitness options suited for everyone and anyone. Expats should take care to find some form of exercise that keeps the endorphins firing, especially amidst the fog and rain of winter.
Yoga
TriYoga (Triyoga.co.uk) is one of the largest yoga centres in town, with over 180 classes a week in areas such as Covent Garden and Soho. Whether it is Pilates, Bikram Yoga or mediation you are seeking, there are a multitude of studios to meet your needs.
Fitness Centres
Gyms and fitness centres in London range from reasonably priced to exceedingly expensive. One of the biggest health club chains, Soho Gym (Sohogyms.com), offers complimentary classes and free trial period prior to joining. Many centres also provide discounts for students or companies.
Boot Camps
Go to any park in the city and you will find a boot camp class working out. These classes, run by many different companies, including Extreme Fitness and Fat Attack, offer personal training and fitness classes based outdoors.
Soccer Leagues
Another popular alternative to the traditional gym workout is to join an extracurricular team or league that plays recreationally on weekends. There is a wide array of options in this category with teams created according to neighbourhood, age, sex, or even home country. Check out West London Soccer (WestLondonsoccer.com) for more details on a typical schedule and league rules.
One of the first things you'll notice upon moving to the metropolis is the abundance of runners and cyclists, particularly those wearing backpacks. Due to the ever-growing population and the often-congested city streets commuting and exercising go hand-in-hand here. Many professionals either run or cycle into work along designated routes. Cycle lanes are marked along the majority of London’s busiest roads and Barclay’s bike centres are stationed throughout for easy access to rentable bicycles.
Furthermore, with the River Thames winding straight through the heart of the city, there is an abundance of running paths that allow you to take in London's best sights and scenes while you exercise. Many local running shops, such as Notting Hill’s Sweaty Betty or Clapham’s Sweatshop, also organise weekly training groups and fun runs.
In addition to running and cycling, London offers a wealth of other fitness options suited for everyone and anyone. Expats should take care to find some form of exercise that keeps the endorphins firing, especially amidst the fog and rain of winter.
Recommended fitness activities in London
Yoga
TriYoga (Triyoga.co.uk) is one of the largest yoga centres in town, with over 180 classes a week in areas such as Covent Garden and Soho. Whether it is Pilates, Bikram Yoga or mediation you are seeking, there are a multitude of studios to meet your needs.
Fitness Centres
Gyms and fitness centres in London range from reasonably priced to exceedingly expensive. One of the biggest health club chains, Soho Gym (Sohogyms.com), offers complimentary classes and free trial period prior to joining. Many centres also provide discounts for students or companies.
Boot Camps
Go to any park in the city and you will find a boot camp class working out. These classes, run by many different companies, including Extreme Fitness and Fat Attack, offer personal training and fitness classes based outdoors.
Soccer Leagues
Another popular alternative to the traditional gym workout is to join an extracurricular team or league that plays recreationally on weekends. There is a wide array of options in this category with teams created according to neighbourhood, age, sex, or even home country. Check out West London Soccer (WestLondonsoccer.com) for more details on a typical schedule and league rules.
