Top Ways to Stay Fit in Your City Lunchbreak

Many of us spend more time at work than we do at home or doing things for ourselves. I know that by the time I get home of an evening, the last thing on my mind is heading off to the gym, which means my membership only gets used at the weekends. If, like me, you spend your days sitting at a desk, worrying that you’re not staying as active as you’d like, then worry no more. Here’s my guide to the best ways to stay fit during your lunchbreak whilst enjoying the capital.

 

1) Indulge in some team sports

There are lots of sports available throughout London, ranging from a bit of fun to competitive leagues. With football arguably being the national sport, there are of course many pitches both indoors and outdoors set up for a lunchtime kickabout. If you want to take things a little more seriously, you could assemble a team of workmates to enter a team into one of the 5-A-Side leagues in London. There are leagues across the capital, with professional referees and facilities available for each match and even a players’ lounge to relax in afterwards.

 

If you’d rather be a player than an office WAG, girls can of course get involved or go back to schooldays by putting together a netball team. Visit somewhere like Camden’s Lincoln Inn Fields where you can make full use of its two netball courts.

 

2) Take a fitness class

London is one of the greenest cities on the planet so why not enjoy the outdoors whilst keeping fit by signing up for one of the many fitness classes that are on offer in the parks. There are many companies who have set up outdoor sessions, including British Military Fitness and New You Boot camp, which train in London’s Royal Parks and offer a wide range of sessions to suit your needs. If training sessions aren’t for you, why not try your hand at a yoga session, Tai Chi or Pilates. And if you really want to relax, then you can even learn how to meditate. These practices are best when taken in the outdoors and what better place to relax than in the green spaces of greatest city on Earth.

 

3) Explore the capital

Of course, minimal effort can go into organising your fitness regime in London. Why not hire a ‘Boris bike’ and go for a cycle around the parks- Hyde Park is a fantastic place to spend a lunchtime, winding your way around the lake and past the many famous landmarks. Not only will you be exercising your body but you’ll also be calming the soul. If cycling isn’t for you, you could make use of the horse riding facilities that are available. There are some fantastic horse paths in London, especially those through Green Park and Richmond Park. The Serpentine Lido is also open throughout the summer seven days a week and provides a fantastic space to swim in.

 

Natalie Likness’ love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.