Our favourite winter outdoor exercise classes

Take five with a round-up of our current favourite things to give your mental and physical health a boost.

London’s most joyful winter exercise classes

Chilly, dreary weather is enough to make anyone want to hibernate on the sofa – but spending time outside is guaranteed to improve your mood. These group classes will make you enjoy exercising outdoors, from now until spring

Why bother?

Sometimes, curling up in front of the TV with a bowl of stew is the only way to deal with wintery weather – but it’s also important to get outside every now and then. Outdoor exercise has been linked to increased self-esteem, while just 20 minutes’ contact with nature can make us feel less stressed. Not only that: any regular exercise can reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Looking for a way to boost your mood and alleviate party season pressures? Try an outdoor exercise class. London Fields Fitness Studio’s friendly, relaxed 60-minute Park Life boot camp (£6, 9.30am, Saturdays) is a great workout for all abilities, and Our Parks offers a range of free outdoor exercise classes at parks across London (sessions pause on 15 December, but kick off again on 2 January 2020).

Stylist’s editorial assistant Chloe, meanwhile, is a fan of the free run club that starts from Adidas Women’s Brick Lane studio on Wednesday evenings (7-8.30pm) and Saturday mornings (9.30-11am). “I hate running, but this is amazing: swarms of women running through the streets with a huge boom box.” The perfect solution if you don’t like jogging solo on dark nights.

Need more encouragement? Here are nine more ways to motivate yourself to exercise when it’s cold. In the meantime, these workout wardrobe additions will inspire you to get out there…

The top

Made from silky, sweat-wicking, thermal fabric, this sleek lightweight top is perfect for winter workouts (it’s even got a hood to keep your ears toasty). It goes up to a size 22, but there’s another very similar version (£64.95) to suit sizes 22-32. £47.95, Nike

The leggings

What’s worse: being too cold or too sweaty? With Kalenji’s Run Warm+ leggings, you don’t have to choose. The soft fleecy lining manages to be both cosy and breathable, and they’ve even got zip-up pockets to stash your essentials. The dream! £19.99, Decathlon

For Stylist’s digital editor Kayleigh, nothing beats a hot shower for steaming out a cold

Whenever I feel bunged up and sorry for myself, there’s one place I want to be: the shower. Full blast, water so hot the stall is white with steam, bathroom door slightly ajar so I can hear the radio on full blast in my bedroom.

Fifteen minutes like this – water pounding the aches out of my back, shoulders and soul – and I’m a new woman. Why? Breathing in steam can help ease chest congestion, clear blocked noses and soothe headaches, while hot water relieves sore muscles. I feel even better if I add a squirt of spicy sinus-clearing shower gel, like Origins’ Ginger Burst Body Wash: think ginger, honey and lemon tea turned soapy. £20, Lookfantastic

Brought to you by The Royal Exchange

The Christmas countdown has officially landed

If you want to get your Christmas lights thrill with added luxury we’ve got just the event. The Royal Exchange are hosting the ultimate switch-on in the heart of the city to get you in the festive spirit. On 20 November, Downton Abbey actor Joanne Froggatt will be switching on the lights of a 25ft Christmas tree decorated by Fortnum & Mason while the East London Chorus will be there to sing classic carols. You’ll also be able to get stuck into a series of masterclasses and shop all of your Christmas gifts well ahead of time. Pass us the mulled wine.

To reserve your place and register for a workshop, RSVP to [email protected].

Find out more

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From 18-22 November, we’re interrupting our regular scheduled programming to bring you a daily drop of genuinely inspiring gift suggestions – a curated edit of thoughtful, creative and sustainable presents for every kind of person in your life, straight to your inbox. There’ll be no novelty gift sets and ZERO useless tat; just beautiful things they’ll love for years to come. Not signed up to every Stylist Loves email? Find out what you’re missing here.

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