Not that long ago, if you wanted a great fitness class you had to sign up to an expensive gym and sweat it out in front of horrible mirrors to banging house music. Thankfully, there's now a range of classes suitable for all fitness levels outdoors. And what's more many of them make you feel like you're getting a little slice of personal training without you having the star bank balance...
Best for... new mums
Pushy Mothers
If you're stuck at home with a wailing newborn, and wondering how you'll ever get your figure back in shape then this workout is for you. You take your baby along and use the pushchair as part of the exercise routine, pushing and pulling to help build resistance. With a mix of cardiovascular work to burn fat, resistance to build muscles and core conditioning to bring those all important pelvic floor muscles back into shape, it's also a non-intimidating atmosphere with other mums. The downside is that it is really only for one baby families – can you imagine trying to do it with one pram, one child on your hip and another in a harness? No, thought not.
Cost: joining fee of £15 and classes cost £4-7.
For more information visit www.pushymothers.com
Best for... figure overhaul
Kate Staples Adventure Boot Camp for Women
During the 1980s, Kate Staples used to be Gladiator during the TV show's heyday. But when she broke her neck during filming many thought that was the end of her career in fitness until she launched this revolutionary new outdoor workout. Sign up for a four-week programme, five days a week and it guarantees that you will lose 5-12lb and decrease your body fat by 3-5%. A big claim but with wa nutritional seminar, workouts that change every day to keep challenging your bodyand fitness, these all women boot camps could give you the body haul you're after.
Cost: £200 plus VAT regristration and £12 per class.
For more information visit www.fitnesscamp.co.uk
Best for...women new to exercise
Nordic Walking
It may look like just like trekking with hiking poles but Nordic walking uses specially adapted poles and claims to use 90% of the skeletal muscles. In order to learn how to do this properly, you need to unergo an hour and a half technique workshop. This teaches you how to place the poles correctly to get the most out of your workout. That said, it's more gentle than most although some areas hold Ulimate Nordic Classes. This involves interval running, bounding and hill work to maximise cardiovascular benefits. Great for those new to exercise, or who are undergoing rehabilitation.
Cost: £15 for the technique workshop, and classes £6-8 per class.
For more information visit www.nordicwalking.co.uk
Best for...fitness buffs
British Miltary Fit
One of the first, and now most established outdoor workouts is this military boot camp run by ex-Army personnel. Using a combination of interval sprint training and strength work – which sometimes includes pullng big tyres or carrying your team mate, this is perfect for those who thrive in a competitive environment. They split the group into three different levels, beginners, intermediate and advanced but it really is intended for those with a competitive streak. Yoga buffs will not take kindly to being yelled at!
Cost: £38 per month.
For more information visit www.britmilfit.co.uk
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