We round up some of the best ways to keep fit during the cold, dark months in Sussex
Ice Skating
Brighton’s ever-popular Royal Pavilion Ice Rink returns from 3 November 2018 to 13 January 2019. The 880 sq m main rink offers space for confident skaters, with an additional 130 sq m rink for beginners with the option of penguin skate aids. Spectators can watch for free from the 40m terrace or the 130-seater restaurant which offers everything from snacks to hearty meals. Tickets cost £10 for skaters aged 12 and over, £7 for juniors, with one-hour skate slots available from 10am to 9.15pm every day.
www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk
Indoor Climbing
Get a taste of the outside and give yourself a whole body workout, by finding your local indoor climbing wall. It’s a sport that is both a great strength and cardio workout combined in one. In a single session your heart rate increases, muscle is built, stamina is improved, and regular climbers tend to have a lower body fat percentage. It can also be a great social activity as you create close bonds with those spotting for you. There are climbing centres and walls in Brighton, Crawley, Chichester, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Shoreham, Bognor, Midhurst, Lewes, Bexhill and Battle.
Racquet Sports
If you are looking for an indoor sport to take you through winter and beyond, why not try a racquet sport like badminton or squash. They are both great for developing hand-eye co-ordination, as well as flexibility, and if played properly are very good at improving your fitness level, as they should have you running, jumping and even diving. They are also a fun social sport, whether you play against old friends or even make some new ones. Most local gyms and clubs have courts available to hire for either a one-off fee or make the commitment and book a regular slot.
clubfinder.badmintonengland.co.uk
Indoor Cycling
Avoid the cold weather and take up cycling indoors instead, where you will burn calories, build muscle strength and improve your cardio endurance. The UK has a lot of great tracks on offer including the Lee Valley VeloPark only a train ride away at the Olympic Park in London. Try spinning – most local gyms host spin classes. Meanwhile Myride at Brighton’s Withdean Sports Complex takes things up a level with digital virtual cycle routes and music.
Trampolining
If you are looking for a low impact indoor sport, trampolining might just be the answer. It provides a vigorous aerobic workout that burns calories, but it’s easy on your joints as the impact is absorbed by the mat. Trampolining is also a very accessible sport, because you don’t even have to leave your home, with small single person trampolines readily available on the high street. Alternatively, there are trampoline parks with their own workout classes, such as Urban Jump in Heathfield, Sky High in Peacehaven and Flip Out in Chichester. For those wanting to learn some real skills, British Gymnastics have clubs across the UK for all ages to join.
www.urbanjump.co.uk | skyhightrampolinepark.co.uk | www.flipout.co.uk
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