New Year, New You 6 Jan 2025
Every January brings with it “new year, new you” rhetoric and an onslaught of intended self-improvement. Most New Year resolutions include an element of movement and well-being.
Luckily, St Albans is a city filled with fun fitness groups, accessible walking trails, and calming yoga classes to aid your wellness goals. Here are some suggestions to get you started!
Transformation Pilates UK
Transformation Pilates is a boutique pilates studio conveniently located in St Albans city centre. The intimate studio offers a calming environment that is ideal for strength and confidence building. Private tuition options are available and beginners are welcome. Take a class then grab brunch next door at Toast– life’s all about balance!
Walks & Trails
Time outdoors does wonders for mental health, especially during the dreary winter months. It’s also believed that exposure to fresh air helps boost the body’s immunity and improve sleep. St Albans is fortunate to be home to many walking and cycling trails. Some of our favourite trails in the area include:
- Heartwood Forest- the largest continuous new native forest in England featuring multiple walking trails of varying distance.
- Verulamium Park Circular – a classic 5-kilometre walking trail that loops around St Albans.
- The Abbey Way – a 14-kilometre walking and cycling trail passing through the Cone Valley between Watford and St Albans.
Find more St Albans walks and trails here.
Fitness First
While exercise is often the focus of new year resolutions, mixing movement with socialising has added benefits, including stress and anxiety reduction. At Fitness First, all classes are included in their gym membership packages so you can train individually or opt to join a group class. There is a more affordable membership rate for students!
Sopwell House Cottonmill Spa
If your goals include prioritising self-care in the new year, there is no better place to rejuvenate than Sopwell House’s Cottonmill Spa. The spa’s facilities include a luxurious indoor pool, two vitality pools, a state-of-the-art gym, a sauna, and a steam room. Whether you are a one-time guest of Sopwell House or purchase a spa membership, this is the space to reset and refresh in 2025.
Run Clubs
Whether you’re training for a marathon or looking to make new friends, joining a local run club offers many of theaforementioned well-being benefits (getting outdoors, socialising, moving) . Mikkeller Running Club (MRC) meets on Wednesdays at the Craft and Cleaver pub in St Albans. MRC welcomes all ability levels and first-timers get 50% off their first pint. There’s no fee to join, which makes joining a more flexible approach to fitness.