How to get active for free
Being more active can really help:
• Reduce your risks of back pain
• Help you cope with pain and arthritis
• Help you recover from injury and prevent recurrence
• Lose weight and that can help reduce joint pains
• Feel more positive and that helps you cope better
Please check with your Doctor, before you begin exercising if you have any serious medical problems.
You can talk to your Physiotherapist about which exercise might be best for you and they will be happy to answer any questions.
If you think you need MSK Physiotherapy, then please download our self referral form from the left hand side of this page and send it in
The NHS have lots of fantastic information, tips and ways to get active. Check them out at www.nhs.uk/letsgetmoving and www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness and www.nhs.uk/change4life
There are loads of ways to get active for free near you:
• Check out this link to find a ‘Get Active’ local activity finder near you:
http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/community_and_leisure/leisurecentres/getactive.htm
• Check out this link for local walks and open spaces in Haringey:
http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/community_and_leisure/leisurecentres/active-lifestyles/walkjogcycle.htm#attached_files
• Check out this link for sports and activities in Islington:
http://www.islington.gov.uk/services/leisure-culture sport/sports/Pages/default.aspx?extra=5
• Outdoor Gyms
Do you live near Down Lane Recreational Ground, Ducketts Common or Finsbury Park? If yes, the good news is all three of these parks now have an outside gym - free to use by everyone in the community! Equipment is easy and safe to use without having a formal induction. There are Cardiovascular machines to make you puff and pant include: Skiers, Cross trainers, Seated rowers and Walkers. (Important: Use of equipment is at your own risk. If you have a medical condition we advise that you consult your doctor prior to use)
• Walking Groups for free
Check out: http://www.walk4life.info/ - for a whole range of walking info, local walks, tracking your progress and download your free app
Why Walk? Regular walking keeps your heart and lungs healthy. Walking also strengthens your legs and back, and improves posture.
How far should I walk? You should walk for 30 minutes, 5 times a week. You should walk fast enough so that you get a little out of breath but can still talk, and don’t feel exhausted.
I can’t walk for 30 minutes!? Don’t worry! Start with just 5 minutes a day for the first few weeks and build up gradually.
Where can I walk? In local parks or even just around your street. There are also walking groups where you can walk together with other people
Do I have to pay? No! Most walking groups are free and it is free to walk in your local parks.
How do I get involved? Go along to one of the walking groups listed below, you don’t need to book ahead. Or go for a walk with a friend.
What should I wear? You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Walking Groups in Haringey:
Mondays
9.20am Gates to Lordship Rec. and Downhills Park in middle of Downhills Park Road, by the pelican crossing, N17 6NY Lordship Rec
• Reduce your risks of back pain
• Help you cope with pain and arthritis
• Help you recover from injury and prevent recurrence
• Lose weight and that can help reduce joint pains
• Feel more positive and that helps you cope better
Please check with your Doctor, before you begin exercising if you have any serious medical problems.
You can talk to your Physiotherapist about which exercise might be best for you and they will be happy to answer any questions.
If you think you need MSK Physiotherapy, then please download our self referral form from the left hand side of this page and send it in
The NHS have lots of fantastic information, tips and ways to get active. Check them out at www.nhs.uk/letsgetmoving and www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness and www.nhs.uk/change4life
There are loads of ways to get active for free near you:
• Check out this link to find a ‘Get Active’ local activity finder near you:
http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/community_and_leisure/leisurecentres/getactive.htm
• Check out this link for local walks and open spaces in Haringey:
http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/community_and_leisure/leisurecentres/active-lifestyles/walkjogcycle.htm#attached_files
• Check out this link for sports and activities in Islington:
http://www.islington.gov.uk/services/leisure-culture sport/sports/Pages/default.aspx?extra=5
• Outdoor Gyms
Do you live near Down Lane Recreational Ground, Ducketts Common or Finsbury Park? If yes, the good news is all three of these parks now have an outside gym - free to use by everyone in the community! Equipment is easy and safe to use without having a formal induction. There are Cardiovascular machines to make you puff and pant include: Skiers, Cross trainers, Seated rowers and Walkers. (Important: Use of equipment is at your own risk. If you have a medical condition we advise that you consult your doctor prior to use)
• Walking Groups for free
Check out: http://www.walk4life.info/ - for a whole range of walking info, local walks, tracking your progress and download your free app
Why Walk? Regular walking keeps your heart and lungs healthy. Walking also strengthens your legs and back, and improves posture.
How far should I walk? You should walk for 30 minutes, 5 times a week. You should walk fast enough so that you get a little out of breath but can still talk, and don’t feel exhausted.
I can’t walk for 30 minutes!? Don’t worry! Start with just 5 minutes a day for the first few weeks and build up gradually.
Where can I walk? In local parks or even just around your street. There are also walking groups where you can walk together with other people
Do I have to pay? No! Most walking groups are free and it is free to walk in your local parks.
How do I get involved? Go along to one of the walking groups listed below, you don’t need to book ahead. Or go for a walk with a friend.
What should I wear? You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Walking Groups in Haringey:
Mondays
9.20am Gates to Lordship Rec. and Downhills Park in middle of Downhills Park Road, by the pelican crossing, N17 6NY Lordship Rec
11.00am Entrance of Albert Recreation Ground, Albert Road/Durnsford Rd, N22 Around the park
10.15am Outside Stonecroft Children’s Centre, 100 Priory Road, N8 7RH Alexandra Palace (flat route included )
10.15am Outside Stonecroft Children’s Centre, 100 Priory Road, N8 7RH Alexandra Palace (flat route included )
Tuesdays
9.15am Gates of Boundary Road, N22 (Term time only) Belmont Recreation Ground
10.00am Meet at ‘outside gym’ area at Whymark Ave, N22 6DJ Downhills Park
11.00am Outside Lawrence House Surgery, 107 Philip Lane, N15 4JR Downhills Park
Wednesdays
9.15am Outside the Café in Markfield Park, N15 Markfield Park and along the River Lea Enquires Tel: 0208 348 6005
http://www.markfieldpark.org.uk
11.00am Café Queenswood Surgery, Hornsey Medical Practice, 151 Park Road, N8 8JD Walking to Priory Park
Thursdays
Thursdays
11.00am Outside Salvation Army on Lymington Ave, N22 6JA Walking to various parks Enquires Tel: 0208 348 6005
Fridays
10.30am Stonebridge Lock café by the River Lea (30-40 mins walk) Tottenham Marshes Enquires Tel: 07595315520
Email: mitchell.browning@haringey.gov.uk
11.00am Reception at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre, 1 Philip Lane, N15 4JA Downhills Park
Email: mitchell.browning@haringey.gov.uk
11.00am Reception at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre, 1 Philip Lane, N15 4JA Downhills Park
11.00am Entrance of Albert Recreation Ground, Albert Road/Durnsford Rd, N22 Walking around the park
Walking Groups in Islington:
Mondays
10am Outside Jean Stokes Hall (near Islington Children’s Centre), Carnoustie Drive, Bemerton Estate, N1 0DX Caledonian Canal Walk
Thursdays
11am Archway Leisure Centre reception area, MacDonald Road, N19 Archway Amble
2nd & 4th Thursdays
2nd & 4th Thursdays
11am St Luke’s Centre, 90 Central Street, EC1V EC1 and Beyond
Walk 1 of each month is local to the EC1 area. Allow one hour. Walk 2 of each month is in various parts of London.
Over 60 and live in Islington?
Keep an eye out for the EverActive magazine produced quarterly by Islington Council and Aquaterra Leisure. It has lots of cheap or free activities for senior citizens across the borough. Or email them at everactive@aquaterra.org
Then you can swim for free with an Izz Card (8:30-4:30) and free aqua aerobics. Call any Aquaterra Leisure centre or pop in with some ID to obtain your free card. Check out their website on http://www.aquaterra.org/islington/
Available at Archway Leisure centre, Cally Pool, Sobell Leisure Centre, Highbury Pool and Fitness Centre, Finsbury Leisure Centre, Islington Tennis Centre
Last updated17 Oct 2012