12 fun ways to get fit this year in Cheltenham

From hot yoga to mountain biking and even pole dancing, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to get fit in Cheltenham this year. So, pull on your gym wear, strap on your trainers and get ready to build muscle, lose weight and most importantly, have fun!

Join the world's fastest-growing sport with Padel Shift

Padel Shift, based at Elkstone Studios between Cheltenham and Cirencester, is your gateway to the UK's growing Padel tennis network.

Described by The Telegraph as, "Like tennis but cooler..." Padel is a racket sport of Mexican origin typically played in doubles on an enclosed court; think tennis meets squash but at a more leisurely pace.

The team at Elsktone offer equipment hire and coaching to help ease you into the sport, or you can drop off the kids at the courts and spend some time exploring Elkstone's food hall and wellness hub.  

Rock Climbing at Boulders & 270 Climbing

Cheltenham is lucky to be home to two dedicated bouldering centres at Boulders and the newly opened 270 Climbing Park.

With two floors of walls to try out at both centres and colour-coordinated climbs suited for all levels, these centres provide the perfect place to learn the ropes without the ropes (or the heights).

The friendly staff offer taster sessions for newcomers and monthly memberships for regular climbing enthusiasts.

Low-impact training at The Cheltenham Lido

To some, swimming is the ultimate low-impact workout. It builds stamina and muscle strength while putting less stress on your joints than other forms of cardio.

The 50-metre main swimming pool at The Cheltenham Lido is one of the largest outdoor pools in the country, making it ideal for building endurance.

There are also slides and a paddling pool for the little ones. Basketball and table tennis courts, and sunrise yoga sessions throughout the year.

Social Workouts with Cheltenham Parkrun

As a sport, running is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. It lowers cortisol, promotes mental clarity, and strengthens joints.

It doesn't have to be a solitary activity either. Parkrun Cheltenham is a free, fun and friendly 5k weekly event in Pittville Park, bringing people together over a love of running.

You can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. It’s up to you!

Kickboxing at ClubKickbox

ClubKickbox is an exclusive members-only club providing 50-minute high-intensity Kickboxing fitness classes for all levels in a unique state-of-the-art nightclub setting.

Led by expert instructors, these high-intensity classes promise to not only get participants fit but also help them unleash their inner power!

With nightclub vibes, you can punch, kick and even dance your way to toned glutes, arms, back, legs and core.

Classes run Monday to Thursday and Saturday, in the Manchester Park business estate on the outskirts of Cheltenham.

Downhill Biking with Cheltenham & County Cycling Club

Cycling and mountain biking offer the same great cardiovascular benefits as running with an extra dash of adrenaline. Cheltenham & County Cycling Club runs a wide style of rides including cross country, endurance, downhill and dirt jump. Making it the perfect place to get fit and meet like-minded bike enthusiasts.

The organised events are mainly aimed at cross-country leisure and local downhill so whether you’re new to the area or looking for a wider network of people to ride with, they’re always happy to welcome new members.

Health and Wellness Classes at Leisure At

Featuring spacious open areas, brand-new equipment, and additions such as a sled track, boxing zones, and TRX stations, the newly refurbished Leisure At gym is designed to support your 2025 fitness goals.

Outside the gym, swimming pool and athletic track, Leisure At Cheltenham also hosts several classes, one-off workshops and courses throughout the year to help look after our mind, body and soul. 

Grab a racquet and exercise with your friends on the badminton courts, take your workout to a new level with a HIIT class, or join the race at a group cycling session.

Functional Fitness Training with F45

F45 Training is an international fitness community specialising in high-intensity team training sessions that keep members engaged, motivated, inspired and sweating daily. 

Their innovative approach to exercise puts F45 members through an array of circuit-based workouts which promise to burn fat, build muscle and get you energized in just 45 minutes.

Located in the Brewery Quarter just off the High street, The Cheltenham F45 Studio runs sessions Monday to Sunday.

Outdoor Gym Equipment  

A gym membership can be expensive, but this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of regular exercise. Several places around Cheltenham offer free-to-use gym equipment set amongst beautiful Cheltenham greenery.

Bright yellow gym apparatuses stretch the length of the Honeybourne Line from Cheltenham Spa Train Station up to Waitrose, turning your daily jog into an engaging obstacle course!

Similar equipment can be found in Montpellier Gardens near the skate park, Caernarvon Park in Up Hatherley, Benhall Playpark, Sandford, The Beeches in Charlton Kings, and Burrows Field in Leckhampton.

Hot Yoga at Ella & Fleur

Ella and Fleur is a story of transformation, born from a shared passion for yoga and wellness.

Located in the heart of Cheltenham town centre, they offer a wide selection of classes, with the heated studios allowing the body to flex and compress more deeply.

You’ll stretch further, breathe deeper, sweat harder and melt fully into the detoxification experience.

Self-Defence at Cheltenham Martial Arts

At Cheltenham Martial Arts it's more than just kicks and punches. Through their martial arts classes or fitness kickboxing you’ll gain focus, determination and confidence that will seep into everything you do.

Their adult martial arts classes teach men and women alike how to survive a violent encounter through practical, reality-based martial arts training, while the fitness kickboxing offers an intensive, full-body workout that is as cathartic as it is exhausting! 

Pole Dancing at Momentum Pole Aerial 

Looking for something a bit different? Momentum Pole & Aerial is a small Cheltenham business established in January 2017 that aims to reshape our relationship with exercise.

Focusing on body neutrality, confidence and community, you can expect a safe and supportive environment at their pole, aerial, stretch and dance sessions. Like gymnastics and ballet, pole dancing is a skill that requires athleticism, elegance and skill.

Better yet, Momentum was the winner of So Glos' Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year in 2024!