ALANA HEBENTON: No excuses for winter couch potatoes

AS the darker, colder evenings begin to draw in, it can often be hard to find the motivation to get out and exercise.
Columnist Alana HebentonColumnist Alana Hebenton
Columnist Alana Hebenton

However, with Christmas party season fast approaching the need is definitely still there.

Thankfully, Portsmouth has plenty of options to get you looking and feeling fit just in time for the festive fun.

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Okay, so it’s not the most original solution, but we all know you can’t beat hitting the gym to burn off the pounds.

Whether you’re looking for cheap deals, 24 hour service or serious fitness, Portsmouth has the gym for you.

I’ve been a member at Fitness First in Fratton for the past three years and, despite being completely gymphobic, from day one they made me feel like one of the family.

There is always a trainer on hand to give helpful advice, their timetable is full of fun classes and there are a range of membership options to meet your needs.

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If money is tight and you can’t stretch to gym membership, then you can’t get cheaper than running.

Rain or shine, day or night, you’re never alone on a Southsea seafront run.

If you’re struggling for motivation, you can join the Southsea Parkrunners every Saturday at 9am for a fun 5km along the Southsea seafront.

And for a bit of a challenge, you’ve then got the Bupa Great South Run.

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Attracting thousands of runners every year, this annual 10 mile race is the perfect way to see the sights of Portsmouth and put your running ability to the test.

It was an enormous success last weekend and something to aim for next year.

If you don’t fancy exercising alone and you get bored easily, then boot camp could be for you.

British Military Fitness holds a mix of daytime and evening classes on Southsea common throughout the week.

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With no two exercises the same, these tough classes give you the chance to work out with a group of people in the fresh Southsea air.

And for those fed up with the same old fitness routine, then Portsmouth also has plenty of alternative exercise classes on offer.

Hoop Shaker has classes across tthe city, giving clients the chance burn hundreds of calories while hula hooping.

Go to hoopshaker.com for details.

Or if you want to jump on to the recent trampoling craze then take a trip down to the new Flip Out park at Harbour Gate business park, North Harbour.

Alana Hebenton works in PR and lives in Southsea.