Wellness at Woodberry Down
Have you already made your new year’s resolutions? Maybe you’d like to take up a new hobby, or you’re hoping to improve your general health and wellbeing? If you’re looking to combine the two, Woodberry Down and the wider neighbourhood are home to a variety of sports clubs and fitness and leisure facilities, perfect for keeping you motivated and to kickstart your ‘new year, new me’ regime…
Running, rugby and baseball at Finsbury Park
The London Heathside Running Club operates throughout North London in Haringey, Camden, Islington and Finsbury Park. The club offers members a variety of weekly training sessions which include road running, trail running, interval and group running as well as track and field activities. The club is made up of 600 members; some are athletes at the top of their game and represent club and country, whereas others are first timers who are just looking to stay fit and healthy and want to get to know likeminded people. Annual memberships range from £15-£90, and include perks such as a club vest, free entry for league competitions, discounts at specialist athletics shops, a series of invitations to club social events and much more. If you’re still unsure, you can try before you buy as your first session is completely free.
In the same location, The North London Tag Rugby Club runs sessions every Saturday morning for all abilities. You’ll take part in a warm up, some basic drills and play in a friendly match. Tag rugby is fast moving, high scoring and engages all level of players, although it is considered particularly good for beginners; possession of the ball and scoring is much higher compared with contact rugby which means new players benefit from more hands-on practice and skills development.
For something a little different, London Mets Baseball Club was first founded in 1988, they are one of London’s only baseball clubs and the first team has won a series of trophies including seven consecutive national championships. The club caters for all ages and experience; they have a designated youth programme for children and young people aged 6-14 as well as a mixed team, women’s’ team and a beginners’ team, which focuses on teaching you the fundamentals including throwing, running, batting and catching, perfect for those just starting out!
The West Reservoir Centre
The West Reservoir Centre, just a seven-minute walk from Woodberry Down, is home to one of the largest water sports facilities in London. It provides a host of activities including kayaking, canoeing, rowing, sailing, paddle boarding as well as open water swimming. The West Reservoir Centre offers a choice of paid memberships, day passes and pay as you go tickets to suit all requirements. After you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head over to the café and outdoor terrace for coffee, lunch or early evening drinks, overlooking the stunning Woodberry Wetlands.
Evoke Fitness Studio
Evoke fitness studio is a one stop shop for physical exercise and mental wellbeing. Expert instructors offer everything from yoga, boxing fitness and dance workshops. Evoke has a range of packages on offer including full memberships starting from £48 per month, a two-week trial package priced at £20, as well as the option of paying for multiple classes at a time. Evoke is only a five-minute walk from Woodberry Down, so no excuses not to check out this first-class fitness studio!
The Castle Climbing Centre
The Castle Climbing Centre is described by many as the most popular climbing centre in the UK. A wide range of climbing activities, such as bouldering and top roping, are on offer so whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner looking for an elite level instructor to get you going, this place has it all. And yes, the venue really does look like a castle! The centre is approximately an 11-minute walk from Woodberry Down.
Hackney Tennis
Hackney Tennis is a leading park-based tennis provider with a focus on engaging more people in the sport. Hackney Tennis operates courts in Clissold Park, Hackney Downs, Millfield’s Park, London Fields and Spring Hill, and offers multiple types of tennis training programs for amateurs through to competitive players. The club enables members to not only hone their sporting skills but to socialise too, with community and inclusiveness at the heart of its ethos. There are tennis programmes for everyone, from the over 50s, to families to people with disabilities. Clissold Park is a 15- minute walk from Woodberry Down.
Hackney Aquatics Club
Hackney Aquatics Club is an inclusive, encouraging and enjoyable competitive swimming club welcoming people from all different walks of life within the community. This club is perfect for anyone training for competition, looking to improve fitness, or focusing on open water distance swims. Once a member, swimmers have the opportunity compete regularly at all levels of competitions, from local club galas to national events. All ages are welcome and the club even hosts socials to help you meet like-minded people! Hackney Aquatics Club is just a 25-minute walk from Woodberry Down.
