Four ways to get fit in Sutton Coldfield
If a diet of mince pies and Christmas cake has left you feeling sluggish, you’ll be glad to know that Sutton Coldfield is packed with opportunities to get fit and have fun at the same time.
Here are four of our favourite ways to feel fabulous in 2018.
Dance away the winter blues
Dancing is a great way to burn off calories and exercise your mind, so why not kick-start the new year by trying out a local class? If you’re a fan of Strictly Come Dancing, you’ll love learning to do the Charleston or the Lindy Hop with Swing Express, whose drop-in classes require no partner and run every Wednesday night.
Need to tone up and increase your stamina? Then the BalletFit classes at Four Oaks Healthy Lifestyle Studio could be for you. Accompanied by a mix of ballet music and pop tunes, this dance-based activity will tone your muscles and strengthen your core.
Alternatively, head over to Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, where Glo Dance Fitness run glow in the dark dance classes. You’ll boost your fitness and tone up as you groove away to the latest chart hits and club remixes.
Stay youthful with yoga
This ancient form of exercise will increase your flexibility, strength, balance and mental well-being. According to the NHS, it’s also great for your heart, your blood pressure and any general aches and pains.
So if you have trouble touching your toes, we recommend checking out the Absolute Beginners classes run by Nikki of Unlikely Yogi. Focusing on a few simple poses, each drop in-session offers a relaxed and supportive way to become more flexible. Classes start at seven thirty every Thursday and you’ll even get to relive your favourite 80s tunes as you exercise.
Get on your bike and ride
Whether you want to get fit with your family or you’re keen to find an alternative way to commute to work, cycling offers something for everyone. With Sutton Park right on the doorstep, our local area is packed with stunning scenery to explore, so why not strap on your helmet and enjoy the great outdoors while you exercise?
Cycling charity Sustrans features plenty of local cycling routes, including Route 534, which takes in the beautiful New Hall Valley and Pype Hayes Park. This five-mile route is ideal for families with kids, as it’s largely off-road.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, consider joining the Royal Sutton cycling club. As long as you can ride steadily for a couple of hours, you’ll be eligible to join in with non-competitive club runs, compete in time trials and race against other members.
Use your feet
Walking is a great way to get fit as a family and Sutton Park is the perfect setting to get started. One of the largest urban parks in England, this local treasure features 7 lakes and plenty of woodland for kids to explore.
If you have a baby or toddler and you’re restricted by their pushchair, don’t despair! Local walking and running group se FITNESS even offer a regular buggy walk which sticks to tarmac roads.
Keen to take your fitness to the next level? Then how about signing up to one of the park’s annual fundraising events which include the Sutton Half Marathon and the Birmingham 10K?
