Time to tackle those winter blues and revitalise your exercise routine for 2019. JLife selects some ideas to help you hit your targets, whatever they may be!
Top Class
Manchester Maccabi Community & Sports Club can be relied on for all your fitness needs, with a variety of classes and activities to help both your mind and body. Take up playing bridge or kalooki, have a go at Krav Maga with chief instructor Dori Nemetsky throughout the week, try a game of walking football, or join the community every Tuesday at 7pm for Slimming World to change your habits. Sessions of rounders for younger ones, table tennis clubs and netball are all available to sample. And if after all that activity you need well-earned refreshment, Macc’s Bistro, is the ideal stop-off for lunch and a cuppa with a menu that is under supervision of the Beth Din.
Manchestermaccabi.org.uk
On the Attack
The newly refurbished Total Fitness Whitefield has more than 70 classes a week and benefits from its handy location. Whether you want to sweat in spin, get moving in aqua aerobics or relax in yoga, there is something for everyone. One of the most popular sessions is ‘Body Attack’, a high energy fitness class, perfect for beginners and experienced individuals and combines aerobics with athletic movements such as lunges, burpees and high knees. With a variety of membership options for couples, students, young adults and for off-peak times, there’s a payment plan that can work for you.
Totalfitness.co.uk
On the Bend
Forever Hot Yoga & Fitness Studio at 38B Bury Old Road, provides a variety of hot and non-hot yoga classes in a welcoming and supportive environment. The first yoga class is only £5, so you can go along and see if the classes, designed for all genders and both young and old, are for you. On more complex postures, the on-hand teachers will offer modification or variation to suit your ability or particular needs and the 8pm classes are done in a slightly warmer environment to offer a more challenging yoga practice.
Foreverhotyoga.co.uk
Time for Chi
You know about Zumba and aerobics, but have you ever thought about tai chi or line dancing? The Longfield Suite in the centre of Prestwich is a much-loved space that hosts a variety of local and community events, including groups and classes designed to keep you active.
Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Originally developed as a martial art in 13th century China, tai chi is today practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise, it takes placeevery Monday and there is no need to book ahead. Suitable for beginners every Thursday morning, line dancing is a unique physical activity accompanied by mainly country music or pop hits. It provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to kick up your heels and engage in a fun social activity.
Iwillifyouwill.co.uk
Wheely Good
Using specially-adapted cycles, Wheels For All provides cycling activities that are both physically and mentally stimulating, and above all fun for everyone. For the Bury contingent of the scheme, Clarence Park is a well-used and loved community park with a community café that supports the Wheels for All programme. A wide range of cycles including a number of two-seaters are ideal for those who are new to the service. Open sessions are on Saturdays (1-3pm) and Sundays (10.30am – 12.30pm) in the park.
Cycling.org.uk
Fits the Bill
If one on one support is more your bag, then Hale Fitness, the personal training specialists can coach you through every stage of achieving your fitness goals. From advice about the right nutrition and full workout plans to training every part of your body, the Hale Fitness team aims to be your personal fitness cheerleaders. Expert support and advice are on hand, as well as sports massage therapists and health and wellness coaches.
Halefitness.co.uk
Military Precision
If the thought of a military-style bootcamp makes you break into a cold sweat, you might be interested to hear that military fitness isn’t as Full Metal Jacket as you might imagine. Thousands of people from different walks of life around the UK have been exercising with the Bear Grylls-endorsed Be Military Fit (BMF) since 1999. Led by highly professional military instructors, whatever your ability and whether you’re looking to lose weight, increase your self-esteem, improve your fitness or meet new people, BMF aims to support your mission. Bruntwood Park in Cheadle, Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, Sale Water Park and Wythenshawe Park are the encampments for Manchester’s fitness troops and you can try your first class for free!
Bemilitaryfit.com