So, you wanna get fit in Brighton and Hove. Well, the good news is that there’s plenty on offer in this eclectic city of ours.

As I always tell my personal training clients, sometimes you need some other than weight loss to focus on so get out there and be adventurous, try something new. Make being active part of your lifestyle and the excess lard is much easier to keep off.

If you can create an exercise regime that’s fun, social and will give you buns of steel you’ll be laughing for years to come. So…

Let me give you my top 7 ways to get fit in Brighton and Hove.

1) Dancing

Whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a Strictly Diva or your more in tune with busting out some crazy street dances moves, Brighton has you covered. Brighton Dancing actually offer classes for all levels including Ballroom & Latin, Tango, Rock & Roll and Salsa. And then you’ve got Marina Studios that cater for children and adults who are looking for something slightly more modern such as Street Dance, FunkFit, Latin Jazz and good ol’Zumba.

3) Boot Camps

Perhaps boot camps aren’t as popular as they were a few years ago, but Brighton has many of them to offer. Just nip down Hove Lawns in the morning and you’re likely to see a few taking place. Funny thing is that I used to run boot camps when I lived in London and my miss the social aspect of exercising with others. Boot Camps definitely provide that group atmosphere that a lot of people need to at this fitness lark WITHOUT having to spend time in a dungeon (aka a gym). There are literally too many boot camps to mention, but just be aware…the cheapest one isn’t always the best one! Try to find one that focuses on your needs, so if your looking to lose a few pounds what nutrition advice will they give you, will they give you extra accountability and will they give you any extra workouts for when boot camp isn’t on (i.e. weekends). If they’re any good they will, at least that’s what I used to offer when I ran boot camps in Central London.

2) Climbing

Ah, I love climbing. I’ll tell you something, when you’re on a wall you simply can’t think about anything else other than getting to the top! It’s a great stress buster in my opinion. Anyways, we’re lucky enough to have to locations where you climb in Brighton.  The first is High Sports at the Withdean Complex, which has top rope and lead climbing, as well as bouldering and even an autobelay system for those without a climbing partner. The second is Boulder Brighton and an awesome place for bouldering (as the name suggests). Yes, I know bouldering isn’t the same as using top ropes, but I’ve been down there myself and these bouldering walls are top notch and a decent height to boot as well. If you’ve tried climbing in the past, you’ll be at home here. There’s very much a community vibe here and you’ll even get some of the more experienced climbers offering you words of wisdom! Now, both options offers courses to bring newbies up to scratch, so go and get stuck in.

4) Running

In terms of burning fat, running isn’t the most effective thing you can do, but it will make you healthier and it costs absolutely nothing to get started. Stick some tunes on and run like the wind…well, something like that! Which way? Well, you can go for a wee jog down the seafront or hop on to the Downs for some mud running…which reminds me, things like Tough Mudder and Sparta are great events that combine running with weird and wonderful obstacles. Get a group of you together and you’ll have a day out to remember!

5) Swimming

Perhaps a bit of a boring option, but I’ve gotta tell you something. I discovered something called Total Immersion a couple of years ago and it transformed my ‘sinking cannonball’ like freestyle to something that actually looks pretty decent and the best bit I actually enjoy swimming now, whereas before I never made an effort to go and swim. The good thing is that there are a number of pools in Brighton such as the Prince Regent Swimming Pool, Brighton Swimming Centre and St Luke’s Swimming Pool.

6) Hove Lagoon

Hove Lagoon is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of watersport action. In fact, it’s one of the best watersports venues around with a sheltered shallow lagoon for beginners and then the sea just over the way. They offer also sorts of different sports including Stand Up Paddle Boarding, wake boarding and wind surfing. The Lagoon offers a variety of taster sessions, however due to this venue being outside not all courses or taster sessions run year round.

7) Personal Training

Yes, as a personal trainer, of course I’m going to recommend personal training. I’d be daft not too, right? But in all seriousness, if you want to lose weight and tone up those wobbly bits investing in a (good) personal trainer that can get you results quickly and motivate you to keep it long term is money well spent. As much as I’d like the whole of Brighton and Hove to come and do personal training with me, that’s just not possible…so, when looking for a personal trainer make sure that you meet with them first for an informal chat. Ask them questions about what diet they recommend and what type of exercise they recommend to reach your goals and fit around your lifestyle. Everyone is different, so ask questions and if you get a good vibe then get stuck in with a few sessions to test the water. If all goes well, then you can stick with it. However, as I say to ALL my clients, you shouldn’t need a personal trainer forever. Your trainer should accelerate your results and hold you accountable initially, but after this period they should teach you how to exercise properly and give you advice on how to implement everything you’ve learnt long term.

There you have it, if you’re looking to get fit in Brighton you now have 7 different methods to use. Of course, this list is by no means exhausted, so feel free to add to the list in the comments section below and you have any questions for me just fire away.