Mistercollieman Yoga in Ruskin Park
Just off the chestnut tree pathway in the centre of Ruskin Park is the spot where you’ll find Andrew Collinson – AKA mistercollieman – every Tuesday at 7.30am throughout the summer. His gentle vinyasa flow classes set to music are the most wonderful way to start the day and suit all abilities. The leafy surrounds of the park, with its early morning dew, dappled sunshine and slightly uneven ground underfoot only enhance the experience on the mat. It’s also great value with drop-in classes £8 or 4 classes for £20. https://www.mistercolliemanyoga.com/
Spend a summer’s evening exploring Hackney’s canals and following the newly-accessible 5km Olympic loop on the River Lea past the Olympic stadium and the Orbit with Secret Adventures. Their 2-hour route sets off from floating bar, The Milk Float in Hackney Wick. There are also Kayaking adventures from Battersea to Greenwich and you can book private tours for groups. £40, https://secretadventures.org/
Richmond offers a very picturesque place to try Stand Up Paddle-boarding (SUP). The London Stand Up Paddle company provide everything you need to get out on the water; take a beginners class to get you started, or join their Dawn Patrol or Sunset Paddleboarding sessions. Those who want to paddle more regularly can then become an LSUPCo Member and join the weekly paddles every Wednesday evening from April until September. Classes from £35/hour. Find them outside the White Cross pub on the river. https://www.standuppaddle.london
From now until mid-September you can join the Gorilla Trapeze School in Regent’s Park. Improve strength and agility as you glide through the air on the bar. There are three levels to master – beginner sessions at Level 1 are open to anyone aged 8+ and last for 2 hours. Once you’ve done a minimum of three Level 1 classes you could progress upwards, but you’ll need to have started learning several positions and the one-hand take off to do so. £36.25 https://www.gorillacircus.com/flyingtrapezeschool/
Open Water Swimming at Stoke Newington Reservoir
Everyone knows about the Serpentine Lido and Hampstead Ponds; if you want to train more seriously try the vast West Reservoir in Stoke Newington. There are two buoy-lined routes; a simple 100m swim and a longer 400m course. Red swimming hats are mandatory – you can buy one for £3 when you arrive. 50-minute sessions £11. https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/west-reservoir-centre
A Little Bird Loves
