In need of some motivation to get out and exercise? Sophie Farrah looks at local hotspots where food and fitness combine in delicious harmony
For me, the best thing about any workout is the guilt-free reward that follows – whether it’s frothy coffee and a slice of cake, or a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine (or two). Summer is a great time to get active and you’ll be pleased to hear that there are plenty of places nearby where a quick swim or a spot of tennis can be almost instantly recompensed with something delicious.
Every Monday morning in Barnes, local fitness group The Vine hosts a free social run along the river that’s suitable for both beginners and experienced runners alike. After your fifth run you’ll be rewarded with a complimentary coffee from gorgeous tearoom Orange Pekoe, and while you’re there it would be rude not to try its orange blossom biscotti.
Hungry for more great foodie content? You can check out our advice on how to cook up the perfect BBQ this summer by clicking here
If you fancy a dip, Pools on the Park in Richmond has a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by plenty of grass which makes it a prime spot for picnicking, or there’s Sisi’s, the friendly onsite café dishing up handmade sandwiches, fresh smoothies and more. The historic Tooting Bec Lido is the largest outdoor freshwater pool in the UK and boasts a cute little café where you can treat yourself to an ice cream poolside, after a few lengths of course.
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A well deserved coffee for The Vine ladies
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Afternoon tea at Orange Pekoe
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Pools in the Park
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Tooting Bec Lido
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Open Air Fit
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Salmon on toast at Skylark Café
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A flipping hard workout at Flip Out in Earlsfield
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Jo Walder's beer yoga at the Micro Beers Bottle Shop
For more al fresco fun, Open Air Fit’s drop-in fitness sessions provide a seriously good work out with women’s football and mixed circuits. Most classes conveniently meet outside the stylish Skylark Café on Wandsworth Common where you can quickly refuel with a bowl of homemade granola or a tasty salad. There are also tennis courts, sports pitches and even a bowling green nearby, so plenty of options for working up a hunger.
For a workout with a twist – or should I say bounce? – head to Flip Out in Earlsfield - London’s biggest trampoline park. There are loads of activities for both children and adults, and after all that jumping around you can reward yourself with a freshly made pizza from the café there.
Over in Sheen I’ve discovered my dream exercise: beer yoga. Led by Jo Walder who specializes in yoga for cyclists, runners and athletes, this pop-up class takes place in the Micro Beers Bottle Shop. All levels are welcome and the cost of the class even includes a refreshing brew, so bottoms up!
I am referring to the downward dog, of course…
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