Whether you’re a fully fledged gym-bunny or an absolute training newbie, working out in a ‘regular’ gym after a long day at work can feel a tad laborious.
But there are other ways to keep your health in check, without grinding away for hours in a gym.
Have you ever thought about kickboxing or mixed martial arts?
Not only are these sports excellent for your fitness levels, but they are great fun, as well as useful in learning how to defend yourself (should you ever need to).
There are plenty of kickboxing and MMA gyms near you, ideal for getting active, learning the basics and having a great time.
Not sure where to start? Read on to discover some of the best kickboxing and MMA gyms in the City of London.
KB Fitness
Opened in 1999, KB Fitness is a martial arts school owned and run by women – very rare in the kickboxing scene. In fact, 75 percent of KB Fitness’s membership are female, which is certainly uncommon in kickboxing gyms. As a result, the gym has often been named as one of the most inclusive and welcoming gyms in the whole of London. What better place to start your kickboxing journey?
The KBF team are very hands-on and eager to help you and your kickboxing peers fly through each class. They aim to teach an art form (not merely a way to exercise), improve members confidence and fitness, and at the same time, provide a forum for making new friends and having lots of fun.
Charlton Street NW1 1RX
kbfitness.co.uk
Fight City Gym
Located in the heart of Moorgate, you’ll find Fight City Gym, an MMA venue with a strong sense of community. As well as an extensive range of classes, teaching a wide variety of fighting techniques including boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling and judo, Fight City puts great emphasis on member togetherness.
They run a whole host of events from chilled out BBQs to annual formal evenings, so that you can not only get fit there, but meet new people, too.
If you’re not sure whether Fight City is right for you, they even offer a two-week trial membership so that you can try before you buy.
15 Worship Street EC2A 2DT
fightcitygym.co.uk
MMA LDN
Whether you are a beginner just looking to get into shape or want to learn to compete, MMA LDN has you covered. The gym offers over 30 classes each week including MMA, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, wrestling and even movement yoga.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never taken part in an MMA class before; MMA LDN host beginner to advanced level classes for all ages, allowing you to hone your skills and improve your fitness whatever stage you’re at.
With sessions running throughout the day at their state-of-the-art facility, you will have no excuse not to go and train!
88 Commercial Road, E1 1NU
mmaldn.co.uk
The Tokei Fitness Centre
Just across the water from St Katharines Docks, close to London Bridge, sits The Tokei Fitness Centre. Starting life as a martial arts centre in 1975, today, the venue continues to offer a variety of martial arts classes like karate, Thai boxing, San Shau Kuan and many more.
Described by Time Out Magazine as ‘refreshingly free of machismo and elitism’ The Tokei Fitness Centre is an excellent place to kickstart your fitness. With plenty of female and junior members, it offers a welcoming environment to those new to the scene, whilst encouraging trainers help you to reach your full potential.
Lion Court, SE1 2EN
tokeicentre.org
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