Spring is here so what better time to get out and about and find a new healthy hobby to help you de-stress. Hobbies can bring about so many positive benefits; personal fulfilment, increased social connections, improved work-life balance, stress relief and enhanced mental wellbeing. All of this makes for a healthier, happier life.

5 reasons to find an active hobby

1. Reduce stress: hobbies help us to relax and unwind from the pressure of daily life. Whether it’s gardening, running, sport, sailing, walking or something else they can divert your attention away from stressors and promote a sense of calm
2. Enhanced self-esteem: achieving goals and developing new skill sets can boost self-confidence and your self-esteem
3. Mindfulness and relaxation: Focusing on your hobbies requires concentration which can promote mindfulness and help you stay present in the moment
4. Social connections: There are many clubs that bring people together for hobbies. Here you can meet new people, build friendships and create support networks. Social connections are good for maintaining a healthy mental state
5. Increased happiness: Taking part in activities that bring you joy gives your mood an automatic boost and increase feelings of happiness. Engaging in active hobbies releases endorphins, which are mood enhancers, and can contribute to a more positive outlook on life.

Hobbies to try

At Southwark Leisure we’ve got so many inspiring active hobbies to get you moving. All are available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Aqua cycling

It’s exactly what it says it is – cycling in water and you can do it in the swimming pool at The Castle Leisure Centre, SE1. It’s great fun, helps burn calories, builds core strength and improves flexibility and balance. Give this fun class a try! Call the centre for information on 020 7091 4243.

Sailing at Surrey Docks

There’s something very therapeutic and relaxing about being on water. It helps to boost our sense of wellbeing and happiness. Activities such as sailing, kayaking and SUP are not only great fun but can promote relaxation, reduce stress and provide a sense of tranquillity and connection with nature. Get involved at Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre where there are courses for beginners through to the advanced. The season kicks off mid-April so get ready! www.southwarkleisure.co.uk/activities/#watersports

 Yoga

You won’t be disappointed by the positive mental health benefits of yoga. I’m sure you will have heard your work colleagues, friends or family, raving about how good it makes them feel. Maybe it’s time to see for yourself?

Yoga, an ancient practice deeply rooted in philosophy, blends physical postures, mindful breathing techniques and meditation to create an exercise that nurtures the body and mind. What’s great is its inclusivity. People of all ages, experience and flexibility levels can enjoy yoga – it’s accessible to everyone.

Whether you’re looking for a gentle, relaxing experience or a vigorous workout, there’s a whole range of yoga classes available across the Southwark leisure centres. Visit southwarkleisure.co.uk/fitness-classes for more information.

Badminton

If you want to get your heart pumping but the gym’s not your thing then badminton is a great choice. Badminton is a fun sport that can be enjoyed around your busy schedule and can be played socially or competitively. The sports hall at The Castle Leisure Centre has courts to hire during the day, evenings and weekends on a pay-as-you-go basis. For more information visit https://southwarkleisure.co.uk/activities/#badminton

Weight lifting

Some people view weight lifting as a form of exercise whilst others see it as a hobby that challenges you both physically and mentally. Great satisfaction can be gained from setting goals, tracking progress, and continuously pushing yourself to stronger limits. Although you can weight lift at home if you’re new to it then it’s best to seek advice from a fitness professional to avoid over exertion and injury.

Dance based exercise classes

Music, movement and friendship; there’s lots of enjoyment to be gained from dance based classes such as Zumba or the popular Les Mills SH’BAM class. Not only will you find your groove you’ll have great fun whilst getting that heart pumping. There’s a whole class programme packed full of different class styles. Check them out at southwarkleisure.co.uk/fitness-classes or download the Southwark Leisure app to book.

It can be daunting embarking upon something new so, get together with a friend and start a new active hobby together and feel the benefits of a healthy mind.

Why staying active is good for your wellbeing and 6 ways to feel inspired.

It is expected that in 2024 we will see a greater return to the office or workplace for employees in and around Southwark. For some, it will mean moving more to get to your place of work, but for others, the commute will make the day shorter, meaning less time to spend on physical exercise and activities that make us feel good.

Southwark Leisure is committed to improving the wellbeing of residents and local workers and shares why it’s important to make time for being active and mindful as we adjust to a change in work-life balance.

Why being active is good for your wellbeing

>> Regular activity releases endorphins, improves mood and reduces stress

>> It enhances cognitive function and promotes better sleep

>> Boosts self-esteem

>> You feel more energised

>> It can provide new opportunities for social interaction

Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine will keep your mind and your body healthy for improved wellbeing.

How much should we be moving?

The current government guidelines state that adults should be doing either 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week plus strength exercises on 2 or more days.

What gets you moving?

We all like doing different things. What gets your colleagues moving might not get you moving! Cycling, jogging or walking to work could rack up your weekly exercise minutes or you might enjoy doing one of the many activities across the eight Southwark Leisure Centres. There’s something for everybody including swimming, gym, classes, and a wide range of activities.

Find something you love to do and that will keep you active, more often and for longer.

Set a goal for added motivation

Setting yourself a goal for 2024 could help keep you focused and motivated. A goal can be as challenging as you want to make it. You might want to take part in a challenge, practice mindfulness every day, get better at a particular sport, lose weight, exercise three times per week, build strength, gain flexibility and improve mobility. The list is endless. If you have a goal and need help achieving it, you can speak to a fitness instructor or personal trainer to get a be-spoke programme to help keep you on track.

6 Ways To Feel Inspired

The good news is that you don’t have to go far to find lots of facilities and activities. There’s plenty to do right here in Southwark.

1. For the sporty types – challenge friends to a game!

Have fun in the sports hall at The Castle Leisure Centre. You can hire it for 5-aside football, badminton, netball and basketball. Or why not challenge friends or work colleagues to a game of tennis at Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Sports Facility.

2. For the adventurous – make watersports your new hobby

Find a new hobby on the water with sailing, kayaking or paddleboarding at Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre – you might want to wait until it warms up in March!

3. For mindfulness – it’s not all about high energy fitness

Enjoy a leisurely swim at one of the many pools across the leisure centres. Try a holistic class such as yoga or Pilates or enjoy nature as you stroll through one of the many parks.

4. For the social ones – find a class you’ll love

Group exercise is one of the most social activities across Southwark leisure centres. They have all the favourite classes including Les Mills, great tunes, friendly instructors and a fun community that will entice you back for more! Plus the Council has just invested £150k in refurbishing all the studios for an enhanced workout experience.

5. For the first timers

Not sure what to do? Why not come and book a tour at your nearest local leisure centre. You can meet the team and share your goals. They’ll then be able to give you best recommendations for how to achieve them. The hardest part is taking that first step. Once you’re through the door, you’re already on track to reaching your health and fitness targets.

6. For the fitness fanatics – set a goal and go for it!

The choice is yours! All the leisure centres are equipped with a good range of cardio equipment, functional kit, and weights for strength training. Set yourself a goal for the new year and ask a member of the fitness team for some inspiration to add variety to your programme. Or why not book a session with a personal trainer for some 1-2-1 inspiration!