Summer is over, winter is here. Swap your outdoor games for cosy indoor tournaments and take a look at the best indoor sports and venues in London this chilly season.
October is here, and it’s cold. You may still be venturing outdoors to play ball in the blistering British wind, but we’re here to tell you that enough is enough. It’s just too chilly and you deserve better.
While we may have to wait a little while until we can return to our much-loved running clubs, padel competitions and tennis tournaments, there’s a whole host of indoor sports that will keep you toasty while also being great fun — and London has the pick of the bunch.
Without further ado, here’s our round-up of the best indoor sports to play during winter, as well as the best spots to play them.
Wall climbing and indoor bouldering
If you’ve never attempted to climb before, it can be quite intimidating at first. Heights, helmets and ropes may be a far cry from your usual Thursday-night jog.
But few sports offer the same physical and mental challenge as climbing, and once you get used to it, climbing the wall will become second nature. At London Climbing Centres, you can try your hand at bouldering — which offers you a dynamic experience — devoid of any ropes.
Bouldering has gained popularity over recent years among professionals and fitness enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating alternative to conventional exercises, likely due to climbing’s various benefits.
It’s pretty much a full-body workout and helps improve muscle tone, dynamic movement, agility, flexibility and balance.
Best place to play: London Climbing Centres boasts 11 locations across London and the North West, with classes and sessions for families, young professionals, students and groups of friends.
Read more: Looking to the Lionesses: why women thrive in team sport
Squash courts
If I’m being completely honest, I’ve never played squash — but there’s been many a time where a friend or family member has berated me for this, singing the sport’s praises while highlighting its varied benefits — and for good reason.
Played within a four-walled court, quash is extremely fast-moving, which means that it makes for a great workout. You can play in a singles match or in doubles.
You’ll be constantly moving your body during a game of squash, chasing a fast-moving small rubber ball, which will inevitably lead to running, leaping and diving. If you’re a lover of padel, you’re sure to enjoy squash just the same.
Best place to play: You can find your nearest court via the English Squash website.
Roller skating rinks
When it comes to roller skating, I wouldn’t blame you for immediately conjuring up an image of a 70s disco party in your mind. But the sport is so much more than a fun Friday-night out. Roller skating can boost your fitness and relieve stress, all while providing you with the utter thrill of gliding around.
The focus of roller skating will predominately be on the lower body, as the sport requires considerable use of your leg muscles for both stability and movement. This means your calves, hamstrings and core will all be put to work. Skating also activates your glutes, which will be regularly engaged due to the frequent stops and starts.
The most important benefit of roller skating, however, is that it’s a lot of fun. Music, skates and a workout — you couldn’t ask for much more.
Best place to skate: Rollernation in north London hosts regular fun skating events, family sessions and group sessions.
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Indoor skiing and snowboarding
I admit, this one won’t provide you with cosy and warm vibes. In fact, the temperature in this venue will likely be lower than the one outside, and that’s saying something. But skiing and snowboarding are renowned winter sports activities, and the fact that you can take part without having to travel to the Alps is a great treat.
At The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, you can sign up for beginner classes as well as junior, family or group sessions. Here you’ll find a 160-metre main slope, as well as the UKs largest indoor lesson slope. You’ll need to ensure that you dress appropriately and wear warm waterproof clothes, and if you don’t have your own skis and boots, worry not! Your pass includes the hire of skis, ski boots and poles, or a snowboard and boots plus helmets.
Skiing and snowboarding are known to burn a lot of calories. You’ll be working your leg muscles vigorously as you descend and attempt to control your direction and speed. The crouched posture required will also keep your quads, hamstrings and glutes always engaged.
Best place to ski: The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is London’s closest real snow slope.
Read more: Five European ski resorts for the ultimate snowy escape
Basketball and netball
These two obvious sports may not be as popular as tennis and padel. Nevertheless, there are loads of courts across London that you can book for a friendly match. If you head to playfinder, you’ll find a whole host of indoor netball and basketball courts, and you can even search for the best spots in your local area.
Both sports have similar physical benefits due to being fast-paced and intensive. Hand-eye co-ordination, muscle strength and stamina are all key in both, and when played regularly, your upper body strength will be increased as well as your flexibility and reaction time. The best part is that you can play with your friends or family — the perfect way to rile up some competitive fun in the lead-up to Christmas.
Best place to play: Visit playfinder for the best courts near you.
