10 of the best fitness alternatives to the gym in Leeds

With Spring on the horizon, leaving the cosy comfort of the sofa for the great outdoors is becoming a little easier to bear.

So if you’re keen to get into shape following the winter slump, or just looking for something new to try, these fun fitness activities around Leeds are the perfect alternative if you hate spending time in the gym.

Outdoor fitness

Ideal for anyone who hates to exercise alone, these outdoor bootcamps and fitness are group focussed, with emphasis on cardio and resistance exercises to target all of the major muscle groups.

They strive to make the sessions fun and varied (and suitable for all abilities), and there are held at a range of locations around Leeds, including Kirkstall Abbey, Temple Newsam and Roundhay Park.

More info: ukoutdoorfitness.com

Aerial Yoga

This unique approach to traditional yoga uses low hanging fabrics to support the weight of the body through a variety of postures, relieving pressure on the joints and offering much deeper stretches to improve both strength and flexibility.

Visit: Aerial Yoga Leeds, LS28 5LY – yogahub.co.uk

Trampolining

Take your exercise regime to new heights at Oxygen Freejumping Trampoline Park, where the classes incorporate elements of circuit, combat and HIIT fitness to work your whole body, with minimal impact and a soft landing guaranteed.

Visit: Oxygen Freejumping Trampoline Park, Cardigan Fields, Kirkstall Road, LS4 2DG – oxygenfreejumping.co.uk

Dancing

Dance has long been thought of as good for the soul and while it may be popular for its feel-good qualities, it’s also a fun way to shimmy yourself fit. The Dance Studio in Leeds offers a variety of classes to get involved with, including belly dancing, ballet, hot Charleston and street dance.

Visit: The Dance Studio Leeds, Mill 6, Mabgate Mills, Macaulay Street, LS9 7SW – thedancestudioleeds.com

Calisthenics is a popular fitness trend which uses body weight to build muscle and strength (Photo: Shutterstock)

Calisthenics

This popular form of exercise involves using your own body weight to build muscle and strength, perfect for anyone who hates spending time lifting weights in the gym. Leeds is home to an array of outdoor parks well equipped with for calisthenics training, with pull up bars, parallel bars, ab benches and monkey bars among the facilities.

More info: calisthenics-parks.com

British Military Fitness

It may sound intimidating but these military fitness classes are designed to cater for all abilities. Held at various parks around Leeds, the sessions incorporate cardio, strength and teamwork activities, and are run by serving or former members of the armed forces who will help to keep you motivated and on track.

More info: britmilfit.com

Hot yoga

Bikram Yoga is the first dedicated hot yoga studio in Leeds and uses a controlled heating system to keep the temperature at 40 degrees, creating the perfect warm environment to practise the series of 26 postures. The heated environment is effective in helping the muscles to relax, allowing you to achieve a deeper stretch and a more effective fill body workout.

Visit: Bikram Yoga Leeds, The Core, Level 2, The Headrow, LS1 6JD – bikramyogaleeds.com

Pole fitness

Give yourself a challenge and put your body the test at a pole fitness class, which combines both cardio and strength to help tone the whole body. Beginners classes can burn more than 400 calories in an hour, giving you an effective workout in a new and fun way.

Visit: Mill 6, Mabgate Mills, Macaulay Street, LS9 7SW – thedancestudioleeds.com

Walking football

Suitable for experienced footballers, retired players and those keen to give it a try for the first time, walking football is a more relaxed alternative to the original game, designed to help people get fit and stay involved in sport, regardless of age.

More info: active.leeds.gov.uk

Climbing

Home to an array of vertical, overhanging and slab walls, The Climbing Lab is a great place to let out your adventurous side and put your strength to the test. There are a variety of classes on offer which cater for a range of abilities, and more than 500m sq of climbing surface to show off your skills.

Visit: 14 Kirkstall Industrial Park, Milford Place, LS4 2AZ – climbinglab.co.uk