The best ways to stay fit despite the summer downpour
Torrential rain is hardly the best motivation to take that run you’d been planning. But sometimes the wet makes little difference – it might even help.
INDOOR CLIMBING
Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to climbing. The Arch at London Bridge (archclimbingwall.com, 020 7407 0999) offers some great bouldering routes, while The Castle (castle-climbing.co.uk, 020 8211 7000) has probably the best selection of lead and top-roping walls in the country. For a good mix, try Mile End climbing wall (mileendwall.org.uk, 020 8980 0289). And best of all – they are all under a roof, so you won’t get wet.
CANOEING
Whether it’s raining or not makes little difference if you’re already in the water. There are a host of great canoeing clubs in London, including Putney Bridge Canoe Club (putneybridgecc.co.uk, 020 7731 0255) and Westminster Boating Base (westminsterboatingbase.co.uk, 020 7821 7389). They offer a range of activities from kayak tours for beginners to more serious canoe outings for the more experienced.
BRITISH MILITARY FITNESS
You might not want to go out in the rain, but you’ll be glad when it cools you down as former military personnel put you through your paces at British Military Fitness (britmilfit.com, 020 7751 9742). The classes take part at various locations across the capital, including Battersea Park, Canary Wharf and Hyde Park. Prices are around £50 a month for unlimited classes.