Studies show that working out as part of a group gets you fitter than if you went it alone by keeping you motivated. So hit up one of these exercise groups in London to get into optimum shape while having fun.
Victoria Park Harriers, Hackney
These guys make running a date to add to your social diary. Road and cross country sessions throughout the week end back in the Victoria Park clubhouse over a well-earned drink at the bar and a sandwich (members take turns to make them for the group each week). The group welcomes runners of all abilities.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm and Sundays at 9.30am; £7 per month;
vphthac.org.uk
FunFit, Clapham Common
Run by two guys clad in pink headbands, blasting out old-school tunes from a retro ghetto blaster, FunFit was born to fill a gap somewhere in between tear-inducing military fitness classes and boring gyms. The boot camp-style classes run on Clapham Common and incorporte floor and resistance-band work with running for cardio.
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm and Saturday morning at 10.30am; £12 per session;
funfituk.com
Community Circuits, Herne Hill
A family-run group that specialises in circuit training – aerobic exercise using just your own body weight – and focuses on pushing people hard, but in a friendly way. Emphasis is on keeping people enthusiastic with fun, sociable classes. Surely that’s the best way to hone your squat-thrusts.
Sessions take place twice daily; £9 per session;
communitycircuits.com
PI Tennis, across London
Putting tennis players all over the city in touch, Perfectly Imperfect Tennis is all about meeting new people, playing tennis, and not worrying about whether you’re the best of the bunch. Members can see when the very informal games are happening or arrange their own on public courts all around London.
Free membership;
meetup.com/Perfectly-Imperfect-Tennis-Club
GO Mammoth, Various locations
Pick a sport of your choice – like basketball, running, football, touch rugby or dodgeball – and join a league. After every game, players hit the bar for food and a few cheeky drinks. Other cross-sport events are held regularly for members.
Eight weeks cost from £35;
gomammoth.co.uk
