Summer (or whatever that was) might be ending soon, so soak up the last of the sunshine and late sunsets with these must-try wellness activities in London. From rooftop yoga to cool pop-ups and unusual massages, here’s how to destress before autumn rolls around
1 Try the Ranger Workout Challenge to support wildlife conservation
Tusk and fitness enterprise Be Military Fit (BMF) are teaming up to host a FREE, unique workout competition, The Ranger Workout Challenge this September. The workout challenge is taking place in support of The Wildlife Ranger Challenge for one day only in Hyde Park from 10.00am-11.00am – and is ideal to have fun, stay fit and raise funds at the same time.
Joining forces for a second year, Tusk and BMF are offering a classic BMF workout with an exciting competitive twist, giving you the opportunity to see whether you have what it takes to train like a Wildlife Ranger. The hour-long fitness competition has been curated to support The Wildlife Ranger Challenge (WRC), which is a unique physical endurance test that connects over 170 Wildlife Ranger teams from 24 African countries.
It raises funds for Wildlife Rangers across the African continent, and is coordinated by Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA). Wildlife Rangers are at the forefront of conservation and work as guardians of Africa’ wildlife, but often operate in dangerous working environments and face threats, violence, injury and disease.
The WRC is the world’s largest celebration of support and solidarity for the challenging yet vital profession, which is held on the same day as the Ranger Workout Challenge. Wildlife Ranger teams from across Africa will participate in a half-marathon, running across some of the continent’s most remote and stunning landscapes. Men carry 22kg of gear, and women carry 10kg.
The Ranger Workout Challenge is being held in solidarity with the WRC, allowing Brits to participate in the campaign in a unique way! Held at BMF Hyde Park (by the Triangle Car Park), the workout is free to attend for anyone that wants to step up to the challenge, with donations encouraged online or at the event itself. All proceeds will be directly invested in supporting rangers via the Wildlife Ranger Challenge ranger fund.
When: 21 September, participants should arrive at the Triangle Car Park located in Hyde Park by 9:45am
Where: Hyde Park, London
How: Find out more and make a booking via eventbrite.co.uk
2 Channel your inner Houdini with Gymbox
Gymbox is challenging brave Brits to escape the mundane with ‘Houdini’ – the first-ever escapology fitness class that will have you training like the master of escape himself.
‘Houdini’ – crafted to mark the famous escapologist’s 150th birthday – nods to the practices of Harry Houdini, the original fitness freak who was renowned not just for his escape acts, but also for his rigorous fitness routine. From reportedly running six miles through Central Park in just 45 minutes to performing death-defying stunts well into his 50s, Houdini’s legacy is proof that physical endurance and mental clarity are key to becoming a true fitness freak.
Members will warm up with specialised breathing techniques to get them in the zone and increase lung capacity – essential when breathing whilst suspended upside down or submerged underwater.
The heart-pounding ‘Houdini’ circuit will see members combine finger-busting exercises to build hand dexterity, core-crushing moves including hanging inverted crunches, and resistance band workouts for upper body strength to truly train like an escapologist.
Inspired by Houdini’s own rigorous fitness regime, these exercises develop the strength, flexibility, and fine motor skills needed for seemingly impossible escapes, from slipping out of handcuffs to breaking free for ropes and chains – whether upright or suspended in the air.
Beyond providing a new approach to fitness, ‘Houdini’ has been specifically designed to not only mirror Houdini’s own fitness regime, but to reap the benefits of inversion training, fine motor skill development and unique problem solving.
When: ‘Houdini’ will be available at select Gymbox locations from 2nd September 2024.
How: For more information, please visit gymbox.com to check the latest class timetables.
3 Pay a visit to the new 247 by Represent pop-up at Selfridges
Ideal for fans of all things 247 by Represent, the brand is launching a brand new pop-up in Selfridges on the 27th August. Founded in 2011 by brothers George and Mike Heaton, Represent is a British luxury fashion label.
Their garments are the embodiment of relentless effort, refinement and constant progression. Each piece is the result of a meticulous design and production process, with expert craftsmanship being an unremitting factor running throughout every collection, silhouette and individual garment.
The attire might be male-aimed, but that doesn’t mean the pop-up isn’t ideal to find some early Christmas presents either.
When: Launching 27 August 2024
Where: 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
4 Try something more unusual with Parenie at Banya No.1 – Chiswick
Offering a Nordic meets Russian edge to the traditional spa experience, sauna sessions have never felt so Slavic. A sauna or hot stone room is not highly unusual for a spa, but when it comes to uncommon treatments, Banya No.1 – Chiswick raises the game with its Parenie experience. Of course, there’s still a range of more traditional massages, scrubs and wraps – but if you’re after something with a little more ‘wow’, get outside of your comfort zone and book this famous thermal massage.
Parenie feels less like a treatment and more like a ritual – it involves an invigorating, traditional thermal treatment which truly ‘branches’ out – the therapist uses a leafy bundle of birch, oak or eucalyptus twigs (called venik) to waft hot steam down onto, and around, your body.
Everything here is centered around the thermal cycle of Hot-Cold-Rest-Repeat, with authentic wellness treatments specifically curated to provide unique and invigorating spa experience that’ll propel the body into feeling both energised and raring to go. Walk in sluggish, leave feeling refreshed – at least that’s the goal.
Based in a leafy street of West London, this tucked away pocket of wellness offers guests a mini world of wellness to explore, including an authentic steam sauna, freezing plunge pool, hot stone rooms, massage rooms and a seperate rest and relaxation area for guests to relax (and dine) in-between sessions. For those brave enough, there’s also several hanging buckets filled with bone-chilling ice water to stand under.
Where: 404-406 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5TF
How: Find out more and make a booking via gobanyachiswick.co.uk
Wallet: Prices from £85.00pp for the No.1 Package.
5 Join London City Runners for an outing
One of 2024’s trendiest ways to keep fit, this summer is all about The Run Club. Based in the heart of the Bermondsey Beer Mile, London City Runners are the largest running club in London that is entirely free to join – and not funded or affiliated to a brand.
They welcome everyone from beginners to seasoned marathon runners. Nothing beats the endorphin rush after a run and the joy of meeting like minded people with a common interest.From scenic river runs to more intense track sessions, there’s a pace (or a plod) to suit every runner.
How: Find out more and book a session via londoncityrunners.com
