Summer is just around the corner and as the weather gets warmer it's the perfect time to start getting active. No matter what your level of fitness it's worth making that extra effort to get moving as just 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise (anything that makes you glow and breathe a little harder) five times a week, can bring real health benefits. It can help to protect you from heart disease, stroke, some cancers and diabetes. It also makes you sleep better, look better and feel better.
Getting active doesn’t have to mean going to an expensive gym. Taking a walk in the park is a step in the right direction. If you learn a new sport or join a team you'll also make new friends. No matter what your age or abilities there are plenty of free or cheap ways to get active in Lambeth. Here are 10 ideas to get you started:
Get started
If you're stuck for ideas about how to get more active and lead a healthier lifestyle, why not sign up for a six-week Self Care Skills training course? These are free and open to anyone living in Lambeth. On the course you will learn all the skills you need to take care of yourself and lead a healthier, more active life. For more information phone 020 3049 5242 or email GST-TR.ReferralsLEIPS@nhs.net.
Walk
Walking is a free, easy way to get more active, and there are plenty of ways to make walking more fun in Lambeth. Join in with one of the weekly Active Walks in Brockwell Park, Kennington Park, Streatham Common and The Embankment. All fitness levels are welcome and some routes are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Or take a walk on your own, or with friends, in one of Lambeth’s 64 parks and open spaces.
Cycle
Cycling is a great way to get around and get some exercise at the same time. Car owners in Lambeth are being encouraged to swap driving for cycling with the Parking Permit Exchange. For more details see the Lambeth Council website. You can also download maps of Lambeth cycle routes to show you the best ways to get around.
Meet other cyclists and join in with group rides with Lambeth Cyclists, or find out where to cycle across the capital with free Transport for London cycle maps.
Leisure centres
Visit one of the leisure centres in Lambeth including the recently refurbished Brixton Recreation Centre and Flaxman Sports Centre. They offer everything from climbing walls and swimming pools to gyms and exercise classes. Invest in a Lambeth REAL Plus card and you can use all the facilities at a discounted rate.
Swim
If you're under 16 or over 60 you can swim in the pools at the pools at Brixton Recreation Centre and Clapham Leisure Centre for just £1 with a REAL Plus pay-as-you-go card.
Skateboard
Skater boys and girls can perfect their technique by riding the ramps at Stockwell Skate Park, on Stockwell Park Walk. The park is unsupervised and free at all times.
Street dance
Learn some new moves at free street dance classes. Girls from 14 to 25 can learn locking, popping and break dance at weekly classes run throughout the borough.
Play
If you’re a parent it can be hard to spare the time to exercise. One way to build activity into your day is to take your children out to play. There are 33 play areas and 12 adventure playgrounds in Lambeth, so there’s plenty of free fun to be had with your children. For local children’s groups and activities see the Young Lambeth website.
BMX
For some extreme cycling why not give the Brockwell Park BMX track a try? The twisty, bumpy track will put your off-road riding to the test. Find it in the centre of the park. For more information about training sessions visit Brixton BMX Club.
Football
Have a kickabout. Take a ball and some friends to one of Lambeth’s free football pitches and start a game. If you want to hone your ball skills there are free football courses for boys and girls in Larkhall Park and Norwood Park.
