Work up a sweat in and around Soho

Now, I’m not saying that you guys aren’t beautiful just as you are, but we

could all do with a little extra exercise now and again right? It got me

thinking exactly what Soho and the West End have to offer in the way of

sporting activities, or anything to work up a sweat and get the blood pumping.

So after a little research, I’ve compiled a list of groups and clubs for both

young and old, guaranteed to make you feel a little better about that cream

cake and pitcher of Pimms!

Disco Health Club

Disco Health Club is London's most talked about new exercise craze, 80's

aerobics set in a nightclub to Disco music; it has been featured in Vogue,

Heat, Grazia, Look, The Times, Time Out, The Standard, Weight Watchers, Daily

Candy, Qype to name but a few and it is back at the Green Carnation on Greek

Street tonight! Check the website for updates on times and classes.

If you fancy something a little more sedate, but

nonetheless taxing, then why not try a spot of golf. . . . indoors! Urban Golf

situated on Great Pulteney Street in Soho, houses eight golf simulators, a bar,

lounge, two putting greens and coaching facilities. Fore!!

How about something a little more adventurous? Like Ice Climbing perhaps? In

Covent Garden? Yes, that's not a typo. Covent Garden and a great big wall of ice. Billed

as the UK’s most challenging ice walls, Vertical Chill offers 8 metres of real

indoor ice climbing – inside at a constant temperature of 12c! A concave, ice

wall provides a steep challenge for all aspiring adventurers and welcomes

anyone over the age of 13 to join in.

Prefer your water to be not quite so cold? Then maybe this

will float your boat. . .

Westminster Boating Base is a British Canoe Union approved centre. Training

and qualifications issued range from the most basic through to the essential

requirements for instructor assessment, introduction to whitewater, sea

paddling, slalom competition and freestyle.

136 Grosvenor Road, London, SW1V 3JY

020 7821 7389 or 020 7821 7389      

There seems to be a minor renaissance in the ping pong world of late,

with Boris Johnson’s plans to install tables in outdoor areas of London, so

here are some that might catch your interest.

Ping Pong Parlour

Until Sat Aug 14 7

Marshall St, London, W1F 7EH

Billed as an 'unashamedly eccentric table tennis social

club', this one-month pop-up offers the chance to play ping pong for free, and

hosts themed (paid-for) events such as Stoke Newington International Airport's

'A Ping Pong Pub Quiz', 'Ping Pong Bingo' by The Quizzer Sisters and 'Ping Pong

Portraiture', offering the opportunity to have your portrait drawn on a ping

pong ball.

Ping London

Soho Square

This summer ping pong tables will spring up in the city's squares and landmarks

for all to play and enjoy. Brought to you by the same people who brought us

pianos last year.

Now something especially for the kids. .

.

YHA Do It For Real

Summer Camps 2010

For 10 - 18 year olds

From £49 a week

Do it 4 Real camps just keep getting bigger and

better! In 2010 there are going to be more varied activities than ever before.

Whatever you're into, from climbing or football to dancing or DJ-ing there's

sure to be something for you…

Try quad biking, rock climbing, freestyle dance,

football skills, surfing, kayaking, paint balling, windsurfing, raft building,

archery, high ropes, gorge scrambling, caving, music and video production,

sailing, mountain biking, acting, aerial zip wire, abseiling, costume design,

talent shows, canoeing - the list is endless.

YMCA

Y Active

www.ymcaclub.org.uk/PROGRAMMES/YActive.aspx

112 Great Russell Street, London WC1

Saturday Club,

Saturday mornings

10am-11.30am & 11.30am -1pm Drop in

age: 5–14

Every Saturday sessions £2.50 each (can do both)

Trampolining, football, swimming, pottery, and bouncy castle

Summer playscheme available, go to website for info

With the release of the new Karate Kid, featuring Jackie Chan and Jayden Smith,

you might be inspired to learn a little martial arts yourself, so how about TaeKwonDo?

TaeKwonDo at the Chinese Community Centre

In Korean, Tae means foot, Kwon means hand, and Do means way or art making the

ancient art, TaeKwonDo. There are classes running at the Chinese Community

Centre and welcomes many ages – check the website for details.

Feeling suitably warmed up? If you have any suggestions

to add to this list that you think others might enjoy, then get them added!