THE BEST FREE OR PAY-WHATYOU-CAN EXERCISE CLASSES AROUND GOVANHILL

by Jack Howse

Yoga at Category is Books

Did you know that everyone’s favourite queer bookshop also doubles up as a yoga studio? Well now you do! Bring your own mat to their space on the corner of Alison Street and Niddrie Road for this beginnerfriendly gentle yoga class, to start your weekend right.

Saturdays 9-10am categoryisbooks.com

Woman on Wheels Activities at Govanhill Workspace

An organisation designed and led by women – to get women back on a bike or get them on one for the very first time. They run sessions on Mondays and Saturdays for group cycling lessons and confidence building cycle rides. The scheme runs on a pay-what-youcan sliding scale from £0 to £10 for lessons and £15 for led-rides.

Mondays and Saturdays, various times womenonwheels.org.uk

Parkrun at Queen’s Park

Parkrun is a nationwide initiative that encourages people to go for a 5km walk, jog or run every Saturday morning. To find the start, head into the park through the Victoria Road entrance and turn right. Entry is free, but you need to register online to get a barcode which will be scanned to record your time.

Saturdays 9:30am parkrun.org.uk/queensglasgow

Cycling Lessons at Bike for Good

Join Bike for Good every Sunday to get your cycling skills into gear. Whether you are just starting out or wanting to learn the rules of the busy Glasgow roads, Bike for Good can help you get to the next level of cycling. Sessions run on a pay-what-you-can model. Sundays – there are a number of beginner and intermediate sessions.

bikeforgood.org.uk

Tai Chi at the Hidden Gardens

If you’re looking for a gentle exercise class, open to all abilities, what better way to spend your Tuesday and Thursday mornings than in the verdant Hidden Gardens practicing Tai Chi? The class is open to all abilities (including children aged over 10 accompanied by an adult). It’s drop-in and free of charge. The class is held in the boilerhouse during the winter months.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

11am-12pm thehiddengardens.org.uk

Korfball at Shawlands Academy and Hillpark Secondary School

Korfball is a Dutch game that shares similarities with basketball and netball. The game sees two mixed teams of eight players battle it out to score points by throwing the ball through the opposing team’s basket. Monday night beginners’ session at Hillpark Seconday School are totally free, while club sessions at Shawlands Academy have different membership options.

Mondays 7-9pm (beginners)

Wednesdays 7:30-9:30pm (club training) scotlandkorfball.co.uk

Tai Chi at the Larkfield Centre

Danny Doherty (featured on the cover of this issue) runs free beginner classes for tai chi newbies or those wanting to pick it back up. He hopes to start running his intermediate class again so get in touch if you want a tougher challenge.

Thursdays 1:30-3pm foundationtaichiglasgow.com

Keep Fit For Over 55s at The Dixon Community

The Day Opportunities Project has regular weekly sessions plus monthly special events held at Dixon Halls on Cathcart Road. These include chair yoga, line dancing and keep fit. Open to carers and anyone aged over 55.

Fridays 1pm 0141 423 2481

Youth Football at Toryglen Football Centre

The Active Life Club down on Prospecthill Road offers a safe place for indoor and outdoor football for people aged 5-25. Come along and enjoy fun coaching sessions and matches specific to your age group. Activities are free, but you need to become a member via the Active Life Club website.

Saturdays 12-2pm activelifeclub.org

Health Walks in Queen’s Park

Weekly walks led by Good Move volunteer walk leaders and partner organisations happen all around Glasgow. Walk leaders are there to ensure they go at a pace you are comfortable with and all abilities are welcome. There are also walks for people with sight impairments run in conjunction with the RNIB.

Mondays at 11am goodmoveglasgow.com