10 fun ways to keep fit

Some might say that keeping fit and having fun are a contradiction in terms, but Sarah Hanson has found 10 activities that really can deliver on both fronts

1 Climbing

Fitness factor “Climbing gives you a total body workout,” says Tracey Powell, a climbing instructor at the Welsh International Climbing Centre. “When you climb, you use every muscle in your body whereas in a gym you’d only be concentrating on specific muscles. It gets you fit, strengthens and tones without making you bulky.”
Fun factor “It is an enjoyable and achievable activity,” says Powell. “You can start off indoors and then move outdoors with a club.”
How easy is it? According to Powell it’s easy as long as you are not afraid of heights.
How to get started There are many climbing walls around. To find one visit the British Mountaineering Council’s website at www.thebmc.co.uk.
Cost Around £42 for a taster session including instruction. The casual user rate is between £4.50 and £7 depending on the day of the week.
Equipment It costs £4.50 to hire the complete indoor kit that includes shoes, harness and the belay device that controls the rope. As you move outside it gets more expensive.

2 Dancing

Fitness factor “Dancing is the perfect way to get you fit,” says Giles Pearson of Pineapple Dance Studios, London. “The warm-up strengthens and tones while the dance works the cardiovascular system and every muscle in the body—so you don’t end up bulky and muscular. In addition, when you are dancing, you are focusing on your moves and not thinking about work. It also teaches balance and co-ordination—it is a complete package.”
Fun factor “It’s a lot of fun,” says Pearson. “You are learning new routines so you will make mistakes but you just have to laugh at yourself.”
How easy is it? Every style has a beginner’s level. You can do all styles (such as salsa or ballroom), with or without a partner.
Accessibility Just come along to any of the classes —they are all open—no need to pre-book. To find a class near you visit www.danceweb.co.uk
Cost Classes from around £5.
Equipment Wear whatever feels comfortable. You need special shoes for tap and ballet.

3 Fencing

Fitness factor “Unlike jogging, where you are still able to think about work, with fencing you have to react quickly so you are very focused. It is a mental rest and a physical workout,” says Graham Morrison at British Fencing. “It is as good for you as the effort you put into it. It also builds agility and stamina—hence the success of women, too.”
Fun factor “Fencing is often referred to as a physical game of chess,” says Rupert Davies Cooke at the Lansdowne fencing club in London. “The great thing is that even after years of experience, you never know what the other guy will do.”
How easy is it? There are levels for all abilities.
Accessibility To find your local club visit www.britishfencing.com.
Cost Yearly club memberships start from £140.
Equipment £150-£300 for the kit—but it lasts.

4 Tai Chi/Qigong

Fitness factor “You work hard and can get quite hot practicing Tai Chi and Qigong,” says instructor David Radford. “They offer a good cardiovascular workout—leg stands pump blood and lymph around the body, while slow breathing and sustained exercise regulate blood pressure. As well as stretching and giving you more energy, they are meditative.”
Fun factor “It is enjoyable in that you’re getting in touch with your body. It is a different kind of fun to a team sport.”
How easy is it? “Anyone who wants to get into Tai Chi should start with Qigong,” says Radford. “Qigong is a lot easier and has many of the same benefits without the complexity.”
Accessibility Tai Chi and Qigong are great for those pushed for time. You don’t have to get changed or need a shower afterwards. You can do it anywhere so long as you are free from interruption. For classes visit www.taichifinder.co.uk.
Cost Classes cost about £8.
Equipment Some loose, comfortable clothing.

5 Swimming

Fitness factor “Swimming is excellent for general fitness,” says Dr Mike Peyrebrune, senior physiologist at British Swimming. “It is good for stamina, stretching muscles and flexibility. In addition, it is a weight bearing exercise—you are not using your own musculature to support yourself—so there is less chance of injury.”
Fun factor There is a lot of variety with swimming. Some places configure the pool so you can do lane swimming or use a more open space for water running, aqua aerobics, or even water slides and wave machines.
How easy is it? Most pools have a programme for teaching adults at all levels.
Accessibility Just find your local pool but don’t forget to ask for a timetable, as some places may close the pool for lessons or men- or women-only sessions. For more information visit www.britishswimming.org.
Cost If you belong to a gym, the cost may be included in the membership. Individual sessions cost around £2.50-£3.00.
Equipment Swimming trunks, goggles and towel!

6 Tennis

Fitness factor “One of the best all-round forms of exercise available,” says Brian Linskey, group racquets manager at David Lloyd Leisure. “Tennis develops cardiovascular fitness and stamina as well as core stability, balance and strength.”
Fun factor Tennis can introduce you to a new social circle—which also makes it easier to stick to.
How easy is it? “Tennis is great for all levels,” says Linskey. “Fitness requirements grow with your expertise, so it’s good for beginners. The better you are, the more strenuous it becomes.”
How to get started Find a friend who knows where to play and has some spare equipment. Otherwise visit www.lta.org.uk to find a local club.
Cost Yearly membership fees vary from £100–£350. Coaching starts at £25 an hour.
Equipment Don’t buy expensive equipment before you start. Beg or borrow from friends. It is important to have the right shoes (with the right sole). Expect to spend £100 on a racquet.

7 Rowing

Fitness factor “It depends how often you do it and how long for,” says Piers Robinson, men’s squad coach at Thames Rowing Club in Putney, west London. “Most veteran rowers train three times a week for 90 minutes at a time, which will keep you pretty fit. If you don’t turn up you are letting someone else down—always a good motivator.”
Fun factor “There’s a lot of camaraderie and it’s great to get outside,” says Robinson. “It’s very social—many rowers go for a beer after training.”
How easy is it? “You need coaching—it takes about six months to pick it up—and often it’s free.”
Accessibility If you are keen you’ll need to be persistent. Some clubs are school clubs only, but others take veteran rowers—the constraint may be that they are at capacity. To find a club near you visit www.ara-rowing.org.
Cost Around £500 for a yearly membership fee that includes use of the club gym and equipment.
Equipment All you need is a nice, tight all-in-one!

8 Yoga

Fitness factor “Yoga can get you incredibly fit if you practice regularly—up to four times a week,” says Jenny Pretor-Pinney, director of Yoga Place in east London. “Ashtanga, Iyengar and shadow yoga are more dynamic and can get you fitter. Yoga also helps to cleanse the body’s systems.”
Fun factor “I would say it is more enjoyable than fun,” says Pretor-Pinney.
How easy is it? Easy, if you start in the right class at the right level.
Accessibility There are loads of classes around. Find a style to suit you. You may have to try a few different styles. Choose one and stick to it and do a beginner’s course. Many health clubs and sports centres hold yoga classes. Or visit the British Wheel of Yoga website www.bwy.org.uk.
Cost Prices vary but start from around £6.
Equipment It’s handy to have your own mat.

9 Golf

Fitness factor “For those who are unfit, a four-mile walk around the golf course is beneficial,” says Mark Pearson, the Academy manager at the De Vere Belfry golf resort in Warwickshire. “But go to the gym if you want a cardiovascular workout.”
Fun factor “There is a great camaraderie from spending four hours with someone on the golf course,” says Pearson. “It is also a social event.”
How easy is it? The handicap system means it’s ok to play someone better than you.
Accessibility There are restrictions on some courses depending on your handicap. But generally, golf is available to all and can be inexpensive. The best way to start is to take lessons. There are plenty of courses and at the moment it is a buyer’s market. To find a golf course near you visit www.getintogolf.org.
Cost It can range from £5 a round to £145 depending on when you play and where you are.
Equipment Golf clubs can be hired at most courses. You can get starter sets from £100.

10 Walking

Fitness factor If active sport really isn’t your cup of tea, or you have a medical condition that rules it out, walking is a worthwhile alternative. Believe it or not, walking can be a good cardiovascular workout, if done correctly for a sustained period.
Fun factor There is no pressure. You set the pace and, by choosing a park or woodland location, it’s a very relaxing way to spend an hour or two.
How easy is it? You should already be an expert!
Accessibility You can join a rambling club to do it more socially, or stretch yourself further. Check out www.ramblers.org.uk.
Cost None. Membership of the Ramblers Association starts at £24 per year.
Equipment A good pair of trainers is essential.

If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before embarking on an exercise programme.