What's On: Get the Fitness Bug with Free Gym Passes

Happy New Year guys and gals, I hope you all saw in 2010 stylishly! However, if like me you've overindulged on the mince pies this Christmas, here's a healthy way to kick-start 2010. I bring you my hot list of free gym passes across London.

Yes, I'm sure you'll agree that it's essential to try out the facilities at any gym before committing to a membership, and with most health club chains jumping on the 'try before you buy' bandwagon, it's good news for us. Here are some hot offers, from places in town, potentially giving you a week's worth of free gym access - not bad at all!

Editor's Choice
Get a FREE 3 day trial for you and a friend at The Bankside Health Club

With a large air conditioned gym, state of the art cardio equipment and a dedicated spin studio, the Bankside Health Club is a convenient option for south Londoners. It's the newest and biggest health club in SE1, bringing the 'bigger is better' gym culture of America to the UK. Choose from over 50 studio classes per week and get physical in the fully equipped boxing ring.

If you're smitten with the facilities, the average membership costs around £50 per month and there's no joining fee. To claim your pass, email info@thebanksidehealthclub.co.uk

The Bankside Health Club
Unit 11a
Blue Fin Building
110 Southwark Street
London SE1 0SU

Tel: 020 7921 9343
Web: www.thebanksidehealthclub.co.uk


Get a 1 day FREE pass plus two weeks membership from £14.00

Harpers Fitness is a chain of 70 centres in the UK, and the health clubs have recently undergone a 2.6 million facility makeover to feature the latest gym equipment, fitness classes and personal training. There are branches in Lewisham, Wileseden and Harrow, all offering you the chance to test out the new look facilities.

These health clubs are community based, so you'll find the surroundings fit for families and individuals alike; great if you don't mind the pitter patter of tiny feet by the poolside, or if you have children in tow yourself.

Visit the website to claim your FREE pass and for more information on getting a two week membership from £14.00. This is ideal for getting you on the fitness track whilst waiting for pay day. Not bad, considering you could pay that for attending a few cardio classes in one week alone. For your nearest branch visit the website: www.harpersfitnessshop.co.uk



FREE Power Plate Session - various venues

Power plate sessions promise to offer a non-sweaty alternative to a productive workout. It has been claimed that 10 minutes on a Power-Plate achieves the same results as 60 minutes of conventional cardio training. It's the machine that gives the body's muscles a high-speed workout by using vibrations to stimulate them to contract and relax. Try it for yourself with a free session available across a number of health clubs throughout London, here are my top choices:

Movers and Shapers
7 Branches in London including Stanmore and West Hampstead
A 30 minute workout and personal training.
Book via Wahanda

Powertone Studios
4 Studios in London, including Chelsea and Mayfair
A 25 minute workout and personal training.
Book via Wahanda

Powerflex Studios
Located in Victoria, London
A 25 minute workout and personal training.
Book via Wahanda


FREE Introductory Pilates Session at Kinesis Studios

Pilates is still a big favourite when it comes to low impact classes, personally I'm a big fan so see what all the fuss is about with a complimentary pilates session worth £35 at one of the top studios in London.

Kinesis Studios is based in Notting Hill, and run by a team of highly trained teachers. Sessions are usually a group class of up to 4 clients with one instructor on pilates apparatus. Whether you're just starting out or a pilates fanatic, everyone is instructed to work according to a program individually designed to address personal goals and needs. Book your free session via Wahanda

Kinesis
Unit A Royalty Studios
105-109 Lancaster Road
London W11 1QF
Tel: 020 7229 2100
Web: www.kinesis-studios.com

What’s On: Get Fit For Free

How many times have you joined a gym at a pocket burning price and failed to visit it more than 10 times that year? I'm completely guilty of this. I still have a membership that I'm tied into for another 12 months, reluctantly paying, and in all honesty, I've visited the gym three times this year.

I originally sighed up for the fitness classes. At the time the gym had brilliant options like street dance, Soca aerobics and boxercise (with a rather delicious instructor). But when the new timetable came into play just a month after I joined, I was disappointed that they had struck off all the classes I loved, and replaced it with kundalini yoga (really not my thing).

Looking back, I wish I'd been savvy to the abundance of free gyms and fitness classes currently available in London. Admittedly, I doubt that it would have radically changed the fact that I can count the amount of times I've worked out on one hand, but, at least I wouldn't be out of pocket! If you're like me and much prefer to participate in group activities, rather than go it alone, here are some options for you, absolutely free:

Body Attack
Wednesday until the 26th August
7.30am – 8.30am

Join the fitness professionals from 37° for free fitness classes in The Scoop at More London. Classes are suitable for all fitness levels and abilities. Classes are limited in size; therefore it will be run on a first come first served basis. At your first class you'll need to arrive 10 minutes before to register.

Gym Tennis™
Wednesday 26th July - 26th August
7.30am – 8.30am

Wimbledon may be over but if you've still got the tennis spirit, then Gym Tennis™ may be just class for you. The Gym Tennis Racket replicates the basic shots such as the forehand and backhand swings, volleys and smashes, to give you a conditioning fitness workout.

For more information visit:
www.morelondon.co.uk

Green Legacy Gym

I love this idea - a place for everyone to work out, a free, outdoor gym with safe, robust equipment. There are a lot of these popping up in London. Owned by The Great Outdoor Gym Company, they hope that the service will continue to expand beyond parks and reach destinations like outside health centres, housing developments, in the grounds of hotels and health spas. The low impact, resistance based equipment is suitable for the whole family, young and old.

To find your nearest gym visit:
www.tgogc.com/find-a-gym