Summer holidays are here and some of your regular exercise classes and exercise buddies may be taking a break too. But there’s no need to miss out on fitness fun this summer with great options for open air exercise and the chance to really enjoy the elements and the great outdoors.
TopRow London
London Rowing Club supports novice rowing by hosting TopRow a team that specialises in getting people onto the water for the first time and offering an easy way to take up the sport.
TopRow offers ‘Learn to Row’ courses out of the London Rowing Club facilities, which give an introduction to the exciting sport of rowing. They provide a wide range of courses for people to enjoy as well as a breathtaking view on the Thames. Their professional team will guide trainees on the water, teaching them the rowing technique during structured lessons. Aimed at anyone with an interest in the sport, TopRow is the place to pick up the oars. Find out how to join here.
ParkRun UK
parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs across the UK and around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.
These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and people of every ability are encouraged to take part. From those taking their first steps in running to Olympians, from juniors to those with more experience – everyone is welcome.
With over 2 million runners taking part in runs across 637 locations, there is certainly something and somewhere for everyone. To find an event near you and to register visit www.parkrun.org.uk
Strava
Designed by athletes, for athletes, Strava's mobile app and website connect millions of runners, cyclists and athletes through the sports they love. Essentially it’s a social fitness network that is primarily used to track cycling and running exercises, using GPS data.
Strava turns every iPhone and Android into a sophisticated running and cycling computer (and it works with your GPS watches and head units, too). It’s a free digital service and, for serious users, it offers various advanced features for a monthly payment.
Users upload runs, cycle routes etc regularly, following other athletes and giving them encouragement, motivation and comments. You can also use it to join clubs and challenges or even create your own routes.
We've set-up our own Crewroom Strava Club so whether your training is indoors, outdoors, land based or water based, we feel the Crewroom Community is the perfect source of encouragement and support with a 'sprinkle' of competitiveness on top. Click here to join our club or here to find out about other Strava clubs you may be interested in.
Project Awesome
Project Awesome is a commitment to get London ‘badass’ fit. It is free fitness that gets you out of bed and into shape.
Originally introduced to Crewroom a few years ago by ambassador, Anna McNuff, this is a brilliant and free way to stay fit during summer (and beyond) whilst taking in the sites of London and soaking up the energy and motivation of the Project Awesome group.
We love the products that Project Awesome offer on their FB page:
- Free Fitness
- A new community
- Tighter Buns
- Smiles
- Hugs
- High-Fives
- Pixie Dust
If this sounds like your kind of fitness class, check out details on locations and times here.
BMF
Founded in 1999, British Military Fitness offers a unique breed of military fitness training combined with cutting edge sports science.
Classes take place in the great outdoors come rain or shine and many believe there's nothing better than breathing in the smell of freshly mown grass whilst working out on a warm summer evening.
BMF is available at locations across the UK and offers something for everyone with a promise that they’ll never cancel a class due to a little bit of rain. So, if you don’t mind a bit of military discipline, the chance of showers and a bit of mud, check out prices and locations here.