Get Games fit: if the Olympics has you geared up to learn a new sport, read on

Fencing, Pimlico, west London

What: Take a stab at learning to dodge a blade and strike with a sword at the Central London Fencing Club. Bring along a mate (better if it’s someone you don’t really like) to learn impressive techniques, tactics and traditions.

The fast-paced combat moves will strengthen thighs and increase agility. The moves are taught slowly and repeated often to ensure you grasp each move and understand when to execute it. Think of how impressive you’ll look doing that Luke Skywalker lightsaber fight routine.

benefits: Tightens buttocks and stomach, reduces weight and sharpens the mind.
how much: £75 for a six-week course, or from £66 for non-members for an hour.
see: londonfencingclub.co.uk

Shooting, Northolt, west London

What: Voted the best shooting ground in the country, West London Shooting offers classes for novices, as well as the more experienced triggerperson.

Lessons vary along the 100-bird course; there’s a simple pre-season zero through to a complete course of lessons. The clay will be flying and all eyes will be pointed toward the sky, just make sure you wear bright colours.
 

benefits: Improves reaction time and agility.
how much: From £78pp for an hour’s lesson for two or more people.
see: shootingschool.co.uk

Synchronised swimming, Walthamstow, east London

What: Want the shape of a swimmer, but hate doing laps? Well, Aquavision offers synchronised lessons to get you in tip-top condition and look good doing it. For half-an-hour once a week for 12 weeks, you can be coached how to get acrobatic in the water for £75; £100 for a full hour.
 

benefits: Increases lung capacity, improves flexibilty and leg muscle tone.
how much: From £75
see: aquavision.org.uk

Table tennis, Highbury, north London

What: Could you be the next Forrest Gump? Here’s as good a place as any to start. Beckton Table Tennis Club offers the chance for all people of all levels to try their hand at ping pong. For only £3, between 6pm-9pm on Tuesdays, you can wander in to practice your hard-hitting serve that would make an Olympian wince. Feeling a bit shy, ladies? Opt for a girls-only lesson.
benefits: It’s a good cardio workout.
how much: £3 per session.
see: highbury tabletennis.co.uk

Sailing, Kingston, west London

What: Want to feel the wind through your hair? Albany Park Canoe & Sailing Centre offers special taster classes for adults looking to give sailing a try. The classes run every Saturday from 10am-12pm, and are only £20.

If you’re hooked, you can have the full two-day experience for £190. If sailing isn’t your thing, you can still get out on the Thames and learn to canoe or kayak for £18.
 

benefits: A good aerobic workout – improving flexibility and agility.
how much: From £20 for a taster session.
see: kingston.gov.uk/albanypark

Photos: Thinkstock; Getty