The best ways to shape up in Brighton
Brightonians are renowned for their love of all things organic and life-affirming – a fact reflected by the city’s designation as a ‘Healthy City’ by the World Health Organisation. According to a survey by the Sky Travel Channel, Brighton has the country’s highest level of personal trainers, yoga clubs and health food stores. With all this available, there are plenty of ways for residents of all ages to get in shape.
Walking
Brighton residents are twice as likely to walk to work as people in other cities. This is no doubt due in part to the city’s compact size, which makes walking anywhere relatively easy. Brightonians who are interested in walking outside of work can join one of the city’s fifteen regular ‘Healthwalks’. These free guided walks are led by council-trained Volunteer Walk Leaders and are ideal for those who want to ease themselves into a more active way of life or to find a partner. The walks range from under a mile (with an average walking time of between 20 and 30 minutes) to three-four miles (with an average walking time of between one and a half to two hours).
Swimming
Brighton has two swimming complexes and a leisure centre with pool. The King Alfred in Hove, St Luke’s Pool and the Prince Regent in the city centre. As well as standard lane swimming, each has classes for beginners, women, the elderly and children. If the chlorinated confines of an indoor pool seem off-putting, then there’s always the sea. During the 18th century, Dr Russell of Lewes prescribed bathing and the use of seawater for many ailments, and both the Prince of Wales and Dr. Samuel Johnson wrote of their enjoyment of Brighton’s sea. The Brighton Swimming Club was established in the 1860s and continues to thrive, with members enjoying a morning swim in the sea every day. See them near the pier at around 7.30am.
Cycling
Riding a bike in Brighton is both convenient and fun, thanks to a network of cycle lanes and a pro-cycling population. The city is part of the National Cycle Network and is one of eighteen nationally selected Cycling Towns. Beginners will enjoy the flat routes across the seafront, while those with more energy can try the more challenging routes on the South Downs.
As eHarmony UK operates in Brighton, there’s always the possibility of couples enjoying a bike-based date. Some of the best places to hire bikes include Sunrise Cycles by West Pier, Amsterdammers under Brighton train station and Go Cycle Bike Hire in the Marina.
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