Affordable Fitness & Well-being Spots in London

Affordable Fitness & Well-being Spots in London

London, a city renowned for its iconic landmarks and vibrant cultural scene, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of outdoor fitness. However, beyond the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets lies a treasure trove of open spaces and outdoor fitness opportunities waiting to be explored.

LHA London recognises the value that improving physical and mental wellbeing can have on your overall health, which is why we’ve taken a dive into the world of outdoor fitness in London, revealing the many ways you can stay active and embrace the fresh air while enjoying the city’s stunning scenery.

Outdoor Workouts

One of the best and most cost-effective ways to stay fit in London is by taking advantage of its beautiful parks. The city boasts an abundance of green spaces where you can enjoy outdoor workouts, including jogging, yoga, or simply taking a leisurely walk.

1. London’s parks

London is blessed with an abundance of lush green spaces, making it the ideal location for outdoor fitness enthusiasts. The city’s parks, such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath, offer the perfect backdrop for outdoor workouts. The scenic beauty, coupled with the fresh air, can turn your exercise routine into a tranquil escape from city life.

These parks are not only free but also provide a serene escape from the urban chaos, allowing you to breathe fresh air and work on not only your physical fitness, but your emotional wellbeing too.

2. Callisthenics in outdoor gyms

One of the newest trends in outdoor fitness is callisthenics, and London has embraced it wholeheartedly. Outdoor gyms equipped with pull-up bars, parallel bars, and more can be found throughout the city’s parks.

These free setups provide the perfect opportunity to work on your strength and flexibility while enjoying the open air:

  • Primrose Hill
  • Clissold Park
  • Blaker Court
  • Montrose Park
  • Hanger Hill Park
  • Sutcliffe Park

3. Running routes

For runners, London offers a variety of scenic routes that allow you to take in the city’s beauty as you exercise for free. Run along the South Bank of the Thames to enjoy stunning views of the London Eye and the Shard, or explore the picturesque canals in East London. The Thames Path is a popular choice for those who appreciate a waterfront workout, while Greenwich Park offers challenging uphill trails with panoramic views of the city.

If you have just moved to London, going for a run can become an exciting way to explore the city, taking on new routes, discovering new areas and even getting to know your local borough.

4. Outdoor yoga and pilates

Many local instructors and fitness studios organise outdoor yoga and Pilates classes in London’s parks. These classes provide a unique opportunity to rejuvenate your body and soul while surrounded by nature.

Classes range from beginners to advanced, and some are even donation-based, making them accessible to all.

Check out the following outdoor yoga classes:

  • Yoga Rise London
  • Neverland London
  • Eccleston Yards
  • Yoga Hikes London

Outdoor yoga and pilates

5. Boot camps

Outdoor boot camps and group workouts are an excellent way to stay motivated and connect with like-minded fitness enthusiasts. Check out locations like Box Hill, Clapham Common, or Eel Brook Common for group sessions that include circuit training, HIIT, and strength workouts.

The camaraderie and the outdoor setting will add a sense of adventure to your fitness routine.

6. Cycling adventures

Cycling enthusiasts can explore London’s network of cycling routes and cycle lanes that traverse the city.

The traffic-free paths along the Thames and the Grand Union Canal provide an enjoyable and scenic ride. You can also rent bikes from the city’s public bike-sharing scheme, Santander Cycles, for a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore London on two wheels.

Community Sports Hubs

London has a thriving network of community sports clubs that offer budget-friendly fitness options. You can find clubs specialising in everything from running to cycling, rowing, and even frisbee.

These clubs often have a nominal membership fee, but the social and motivational aspects can make it a worthwhile investment on your fitness journey. Joining a sports club can also be an excellent way to meet new people and make friends who share your fitness goals.

Fitness London

1. Mile End Park Leisure Centre

Nestled in the heart of East London, Mile End Park Leisure Centre is a vibrant hub for sports and fitness.

With state-of-the-art facilities, it offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, gym workouts, group exercise classes, and racquet sports. The centre also hosts community events and competitions, making it an excellent spot to stay active and connect with one another.

2. Westway Sports & Fitness Centre

Located in West London, the Westway Sports & Fitness Centre is an iconic sports hub offering both indoor and outdoor activities. With its climbing wall, tennis courts, and football pitches, this community hub caters to a wide range of interests.

Additionally, it organises events and activities that promote inclusivity and foster a strong sense of community.

3. The Castle Climbing Centre

For climbing enthusiasts, The Castle Climbing Centre is a gem in North London. Housed in a beautifully converted Victorian water pumping station, this centre offers indoor climbing for all ages and abilities. Beyond climbing, it’s a vibrant community hub with an emphasis on sustainability and well-being, hosting yoga classes, workshops, and community events.

4. The London Marathon Community Track

The London Marathon Community Track, situated in the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, provides free access to a running track, open to people of all ages and abilities. It’s a fantastic space for running, jogging, or taking a leisurely stroll.

The track regularly hosts running clubs, school activities, and events that encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.

5. Battersea Park Millennium Arena

Battersea Park Millennium Arena is a wonderful sports hub nestled in one of London’s most famous green spaces.

This community facility offers a variety of activities, including athletics, tennis, and football. It’s especially popular for its children’s sports programs, which help kids develop their skills while having fun and making friends.

6. Hackney Marshes

If you’re a football fanatic, Hackney Marshes is the ultimate destination in East London. Known for its vast expanse of football pitches, it’s the spiritual home of grassroots football in the city. With leagues, tournaments, and a rich history, this is where football lovers gather to share their passion for the beautiful game.

7. All Stars Boxing Gym

Nestled in Harrow Road, All Stars Boxing Gym is a unique community sports hub dedicated to boxing and fitness. It provides an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The gym not only offers boxing training but also mentoring and personal development programs to empower the local community.

Affordable gyms

While gym memberships in London can be costly, some budget-friendly gym chains have made fitness accessible to a wider audience, including those with busy schedules and limited spending options.

Affordable gyms

  1. PureGym

PureGym is one of the most well-known and budget-friendly gym chains in London. With numerous locations scattered across the city, PureGym offers a wide range of equipment, classes, and 24/7 access, making it a convenient choice for those with busy schedules.

You can choose from various membership options, including off-peak, no-contract, or multi-gym access, ensuring flexibility and affordability tailored to your needs.

  1. The Gym Group

The Gym Group is another wallet-friendly gym chain with a significant presence in London. With state-of-the-art equipment and spacious facilities, The Gym Group provides a clean and comfortable environment for your workouts. Their no-contract membership options give you the freedom to cancel at any time.

  1. Better Gym

Better Gym, part of the charitable organisation GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), is committed to promoting health and well-being in London. Their affordable gyms are spread across the city, offering a diverse range of fitness equipment and classes.

  1. Xercise4Less

Xercise4Less is a budget-friendly gym chain that prides itself on providing quality fitness experiences without breaking the bank. With affordable monthly memberships and a variety of classes, Xercise4Less offers an inclusive environment for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.

  1. Fit4Less

Fitness4Less is all about affordability and accessibility when it comes to fitness. With a “gym-only” model, this chain eliminates the frills and extras, focusing on the essentials: cardio, strength training, and free weights. This stripped-down approach allows Fit4Less to offer some of the lowest membership fees in the city, making it an ideal choice for exercising on a budget.

  1. ClassPass

ClassPass gives you access to thousands of gyms, fitness hubs, spas and salons across London for only £15 a month. After signing up, you will gain credits to use for booking classes and appointments at discounted rates. This makes it a fantastic resource for exploring your fitness options around the city before settling on one gym, or even establishing a more dynamic health and wellbeing regime.

Affordable Yoga and Meditation

For those seeking a more mindful approach to fitness and wellbeing, London offers a broad range of affordable yoga and meditation studios, available at your fingertips.

Many of these studios offer introductory classes or special discounts for newcomers, giving you the opportunity to try them out whilst keeping your budget in mind.

If you want to give the marvellous methods of mindfulness a go, take a look at the following studios:

  • Triyoga
  • Yoga on the Lane
  • The Life Centre
  • The Shala
  • Stretch
  • Bikram Yoga London

Yoga and meditation are excellent ways to de-stress and find balance in your busy life.

Fitness Apps

Fitness Apps and Online resources

In the digital age, there’s no shortage of fitness apps and online resources to help you maintain your wellbeing. Many of these apps offer free or trial versions that can guide you through workouts, meditation, and nutrition planning.

You can customise your fitness routine to fit your goals, preferences, and schedule.

Your options include:

  1. MyFitnessPal
  2. Nike Training Club
  3. Headspace
  4. Sweat
  5. Fiit
  6. The official London Cycling Guide
  7. TruBe

On-site Accomodation Gyms

At LHA London, we offer a wide range of accommodation options that are inclusive of facilities, with on-site gyms in the common area. Our rooms are fully catered with utilities, internet access, personal belongings insurance and 24 hour security.

Our hostels cover all major points on the city’s map and cover your bills too, so you don’t need to worry about any additional costs while you focus on building the life you want, with the fitness regime that works for you.

For more information about how our charity can help you get set up in the big city, take a look at our available accommodation and don’t forget to check out our offer to discover what we can offer you.

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