The new year is a typical time to kick-start a new fitness routine, but rather than signing up for the gym (again!), we’re feeling inspired to try something a little different. We’ve hunted around Aberdeen for some alternative ways to get your heart pumping, increase your stamina and have a laugh whilst you’re at it.
Go climbing at Transition Extreme
Whether you’ve tried climbing many years ago or you’re a complete beginner, the climbing wall facilities at Transition Extreme provide the perfect way to keep fit without feeling like you’re committing to a full work-out!
Established as a charity in 2007, the Transition Extreme centre is located close to the city centre and there are a range of courses for beginners to get to know the basics. Newbies can take part in climbing taster sessions, Adult-only ‘learn to climb’ courses, and there’s also the option for 1-on-1 private coaching.
Regular climbing increases flexibility, and improves your muscle strength and stamina. As your skills improve, you can visit when suits you; Transition Extreme is open until 10pm during the week and 8pm over the weekend.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ROCK CLIMBING IN ABERDEEN
Join in with Viking Hiking
Friskis&Svettis (formerly Swedish Style) has existed in Aberdeen since 1987. The fitness brand is one of the best known in Sweden, and as well as their keep-fit classes (Jympa), they organise 1- hour, outdoor walking sessions in Hazlehead Park.
‘Viking Hiking‘ (also known as Nordic Walking), involves an instructor teaching you how to walk with walking poles. Whilst it sounds simple enough, there is a technique to it, which (once you’ve mastered it), burns more calories than regular walking. Viking Hiking is also brilliant for strengthening wrists, arms and shoulders.
As the exercise is low-impact on knees and ankles, it’s also a great way to re-build strength after sports injury. Sessions take place 4 times a week in Hazlehead Park.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NORDIC WALKING IN ABERDEEN
Bounce it out at Jump In
If an outdoor work-out isn’t for you, try trampolining at Jump In; a great way to keep fit during cold weather and darker nights – no excuses here!
Located at the West Tullos Industrial Estate, the Jump In venue holds a large number of inter-connected trampolines with soft-play and dodge-ball areas, meaning there’s plenty of choice, and room, for everyone. Book a 1-hour slot online and gather a few friends for a fun workout.
Just an hour of free-style trampolining a week can increase your upper body strength, metabolism and stamina, and there are fitness classes coming soon. Open till 9pm each night and 10pm on Fridays, an hour session makes for the perfect after work mood-booster.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TRAMPOLINING IN ABERDEEN
Toughen up at Boot Camp
Located at both Duthie Park and Hazelhead Park in Aberdeen, the team at British Military Fitness conduct outdoor training sessions, 52 weeks a year, come rain or shine.
With sessions running 6 days a week across the 2 sites, you can guarantee you’ll be put through your paces at this popular Boot Camp.
There are 3 ability levels, with each group working on exercises catered to your fitness level. You can expect hill sprints, sand bag carrying, wall training and cardio, and probably a fair amount of mud! Along with the improvement in your fitness levels, exercising outdoors can help with your mental health, whilst working as a group is great for keeping motivated.
If you’ve not been before, British Military Fitness offer your first class for free, so if you’re serious about getting fit – why wait?