I don’t know about you, but I’m far more likely to stick to my fitness plans if the exercise I’m doing is fun as well as functional. Now classes are back up and running, why not give one of these great workouts a try and reap the health benefits of getting active this summer.
by Jade Soanes
Parkrun
Want an excuse to get out in the fresh air but don’t have the spare cash for classes right now? No problem – parkruns are free, weekly community events (not races!) that take place all over the world, so you’re sure to find one near you. Taking place in parks and other large open spaces on Saturday mornings, you can either walk, jog or run this 5k circuit. Everyone is welcome and there is no time limit, so all abilities, ages and fitness levels are encouraged.
Parkrun locations in Norfolk & Suffolk include:
Gorleston, Gt Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Mulbarton, Thetford, King’s Lynn, Sheringham, Norwich, Ipswich, Blickling, Brundall, Holkham, Brandon Country Park, Bury St Edmunds, Hadleigh, Kesgrave, Lingward, Colney Lane, Sizewell, Colby, Catton
Clubbercise
with Fab Fitness
If your idea of a workout is a night out dancing then this is absolutely the class for you. Upon arrival you’ll be given your own pair of reusable flashing glow sticks (complete with wrist straps so they don’t fly off when the dancing gets too exuberant). The room is darkened so there’s no need to worry about feeling self-conscious, and then you’ll work up a sweat dancing along to easy-to-follow routines, all set to club classics and floorfiller anthems.
For class times and locations visit
facebook.com/Fabfitness1
Aerial hoop
Pole Perfect Fitness, King’s Lynn
Once an activity reserved for circus performers, today aerial hoop has exploded in popularity as a way of keeping fit combined with learning a fun new skill. You can expect to build strength in your arms, shoulders, upper body and core. You should also see improvements in your flexibility, balance and coordination as you learn new poses and gain confidence moving around the hoop.
SUP Yoga
with Norwich Paddleboard Hire/Yoga with Lucy
You’ve tried yoga, you’ve tried stand up paddleboarding (SUP), but have you tried SUP yoga? Every third Saturday of the month, Norwich Paddleboard hire are offering the chance to experience this unique class from the heart of the city. Paddle down the river Wensum during sunset before unwinding with some yoga poses on your board in a tranquil, peaceful spot. Once you’re sufficiently zenned out, head back to base and a rewarding pint at the Gibraltar Gardens pub, with the option for wild swimming if you fancy.
Yoga & pilates
Riverside Studios, Gorleston
Exercise doesn’t have to be ‘no pain, no gain’. Yoga and pilates are a gentler (but not always easier!) way of improving mobility, toning your body and helping to reduce back pain and tension. If noisy, high-energy classes aren’t for you, give these relaxing workouts a try – from beginner, seated and prenatal pilates to candlelit yoga in the winter months, there’s something for everyone at this welcoming studio.
For available classes visit
riverside-studio.com
Aquacise
Beccles Lido
Providing plenty of resistance for muscles with zero wear and tear on your joints, aquacise is a great way of getting a cardio workout in without doing damage to your knees or hips. The addition of floats, weights and aqua gloves can be used to enhance movements and further target problem areas. As the class takes place in chest or waist-high water, being a swimmer isn’t a must but talk to your instructor first if you’re concerned.
Bounce
Mill Lane Community Centre, Bradwell
Trampolines aren’t just for kids in this brilliantly bouncy cardio-dance class. Choreographed jumping routines on individual trampolines are set to banging tunes and are a sure-fire way of burning oodles of calories. The addition of gravity defying jumps and added g-force in this workout is reported to build core strength and aid weight loss up to three times faster than floor-based exercise – fun and definitely functional!
For class times and locations visit
bouncefitbody.com
