Ideas for getting fit and active in Ringwood this summer

David Lloyd Health and Fitness Club, Ringwood

Today was another glorious day in Ringwood so I spent my day at the David Lloyd Health and Fitness Club courtesy of a one day free pass offer.

I was thinking about joining the club a few months ago and was given a guided tour by a very nice young lady but was undecided and worried about making the commitment. However, today being at the club, using the facilities and soaking up the atmosphere I have been very impressed with the staff, the facilities, kids activities and the social events advertised to members.

I was warmly welcomed at the reception desk and the receptionist seemed to know a lot of the members. There were a lot of Monday morning classes in particular a Zumba class that is the latest craze that may account for the enthusiasm radiating from the ladies going in.

I was let into the club to freely use the facilities as if I was a member so I headed to the changing rooms. As a ‘mystery shopper’  I found the changing rooms and the toilets to be very clean. The pool was delightful as the cover was on but it was open at the end so it was bright and airy. I also took the opportunity to sit in the bubbles for a while to relax.

This club offers everything to help you lose weight, keep fit and healthy or just have somewhere to go to socialise. Contact David Lloyd for more information.

Bicycle hire, Burley

If you just want to be outdoors in the summer taking in the splendour of the New Forest then how about hiring a bicycle? I love to get out on my bike as it take me further than just walking and gives me a better workout for my heart and legs.

Forest Leisure Cycling at Burley hires out bikes so you can get straight onto the Forest. They are open daily from 9am to 5pm.

If you want to buy a bike then check out Common Assault and Bicycle World for a selection of great quality bikes and advice.

Tennis

St Leonards and St Ives Tennis club offer lessons and a chance to play in tournaments for juniors and seniors. They have 4 floodlit courts and a clubhouse for social events.

The courts are available for hire from 7am to 10pm.

Golf

If you have a few hours to spare and want a challenge, then take up golf. I have played golf for many years and absolutely love the game. It’s being outside, playing a great, challenging game and it is another social sport with the chance to have a drink or nice lunch after a good couple of hours out on the course.

Moors Valley Golf Club has a wonderful course for experienced golfers or beginners. It is a relatively flat course, it is not too long but there are some challenging hazards along the way, making the experience more fun.

Ringwood Leisure Centre

Ringwood Leisure centre has a lovely light, bright swimming pool, lots of classes and a coffee area for meeting friends. The staff here are nice and helpful and if you have children then there are lots of activities to keep them entertained.

Horse Riding

Why not try out one of our Riding Stables for a hack out into the countryside. Horse riding is actually a good way of keeping fit as you are using lots of leg muscles and if you have a very forward horse, you may find your arms toning up too! Burley Manor have stables with good quality horses.

Walking

Dorset Young Walkers are a group of young people who like to explore the countryside whilst meeting and making new friends. If you want to discover new walks then this group will know all the best places.

Sailing

For all of you that like being on the water, sailing is an opportunity to learn a skill and enjoy the peace and quiet of bobbing around on the water in a little boat. It is still an active sport working your arms whilst tacking and controlling a sail boat requires energy and strength.

You may not know this but you can learn to Sail in Ringwood too! Blashford Lakes is the location for The Spinnaker Sailing Club.

Bowling

Finally, if you would like to take up bowls then we have the successful Braeside Bowling Club. Its outside, its a skill and if you are good you can enjoy being part of a competitive team and win medals!

It is quite surprising how many facilities and clubs we have in Ringwood, we are spoilt for choice. No excuses, get out there this summer, keep fit, stay active and you may even make some new friends.