Yep, it’s that time of year that needs little explanation. But I for one, with a large birthday looming in the year ahead, and a little too much Christmas-Winter “insulation”, have been told about these wonderful local classes that might inspire those of us who love to be outside.
If you know of any other tried & tested classes, please do get in touch and help spread the word!
Fitness Divas
Kirsty Coltart, of Fitness Divas fame, is passionate about exercising outdoors because of the benefits it brings to both the mind and the body. She recognises that boredom is one of the biggest barriers to exercising regularly, so the classes are different every week. They incorporate toning and strength exercises alongside cardio work. There is little or no equipment and no routines – instead games, laughter and teamwork. All abilities are welcomed, as each exercise is tailored to suit varying levels. Think bootcamp without the shouting!
Fitness Divas outdoor fitness classes are on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Broughton Sports Field. Tuesday in Hurstbourne Tarrant and Thursday in Amport. All at 9.30am.
http://www.kirstycoltartcoaching.co.uk/fitness-divas/
Muddy Runners
Muddy Runners are group of mud-loving, trail running, off-road runners, with a primary focus to provide encouragement, support and company to runners from absolute beginners to more experienced trail runners. Whether you are contemplating your first outing in running shoes, or are a regular to the Obstacle Race scene, Muddy Runners can help you with training, motivation and company.
New to running? Why not take your first step with Muddy Runners and start a journey to fitness from which you will never look back. Beginner running groups are lead in a fun and informal environment, usually off-road and around the beautiful local countryside. Over the ten week course, you will discover footpaths you never knew existed and meet other new runners for motivation and a sense of community. Training often begins with a walk-to-run programme, based on individual requirements and fitness levels and can also be tailored to those returning from injury. The next Courses begin in January 2017: Evening Course starts Wednesday 11th January 2017 at 7.30pm, Daytime Course starts Thursday 12th January 2017 at 9.30am.
Venues will be announced each week, but are based around Andover.
http://www.muddyrunners.org.uk
Park Run
What is not to love about these volunteer-organised fitness and social events: Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5k run that takes place every Saturday at 9am. It’s not a race, it’s just a regular timed run so it’s you against the clock!
It’s free to register (you just need to register before your first run and bring along your barcode to each race) and it’s free to run each week.
Depending on where you live, there is an Andover Parkrun http://www.parkrun.org.uk/andover/ or a Salisbury Parkrun http://www.parkrun.org.uk/salisbury/
For those with budding younger runners, there are Junior Parkruns which are 2k events specifically for 4 to 14 year olds, held weekly on a Sunday.
Addendum!
Why not try something really different: Nordic Walking!
A genuinely ‘sustainable’ form of exercise because it is gentle yet an efficient way of getting fit and staying active, as well as social. Christine Livingstone runs various classes in the Winchester area. Whilst you will need to have completed a Nordic Training Session beforehand, Christine is running a wonderful 7.5-mile circular walk starting from Stockbridge on Saturday 21st January. The cost is £8.00. The route will be following the paths alongside and over the River Test, tracks along the old Romsey to Andover railway line and paths over fine and scenic downland. Meet for coffee or lunch after at Thyme and Tides Deli if you wish. For more information, look at Nordic Walking Stockbridge
