Inspired by the summer of sport? 5 ways you can train like an athlete at Active Centres

As the summer brings a flurry of sporting events, it’s hard not to feel inspired by the incredible performances we see on TV. From the athletic prowess of footballers to the strength of weightlifters, the agility of badminton players, the endurance of swimmers, and the precision of divers, there’s a sport for everyone to enjoy and draw inspiration from. If you’re feeling motivated to get active, why not train like an athlete at your local Active Centre? Here are five fantastic ways to get started.

1. Walking football

“Walk, don’t run” Walking football is played on our 5-a-side courts with simple rules in a fun and social environment. It’s an excellent way to stay active and enjoy the beautiful game at a slower pace. This variant of football is perfect for those who want to enjoy the game without the high impact of traditional football. Get involved at Kingswood or Yate, where we offer our 50+ Walking Football sessions. 

Benefits of walking football: 

• Cardiovascular health: Keeps your heart healthy without high intensity. 

• Joint-friendly: Lower impact reduces stress on knees and ankles. 

• Social interaction: Great for meeting new people and making friends. 

2.Weightlifting

If you’ve ever marvelled at the strength and power of weightlifters, you might be inspired to build your own strength. At Active Centres, we offer top-of-the-range Technogym strength equipment designed to tone and boost muscle growth. Our equipment combines professional-grade biomechanics, durability, and safety for the best training experience. 

For those already engaged in strength training, we also offer the Technogym SKILLTOOLS Kit, a functional training system built around the SKILLATHLETIC training method. This method develops the fundamental pillars every athlete needs: power, stamina, speed, and agility. All of this is available at Active Centres.

Benefits of weightlifting: 

• Increased muscle mass: Helps in building lean muscle. 

• Strength and power: Enhances overall strength and functional power. 

• Bone density: Improves bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. 

3.Badminton

Badminton holds a prestigious place in British sporting culture. It’s an excellent sport for enhancing your agility, reflexes, and coordination. Plus, it’s a fun and engaging way to stay active and meet new people. At Kingswood and Yate, we host social sessions that include some badminton—a fantastic way to make new friends and stay fit. Kingswood also offers a social session specifically for adults aged 50+, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and maintain your fitness. 

Benefits of badminton: 

• Cardiovascular workout: Great for improving heart health and stamina. 

• Agility and coordination: Enhances reflexes and hand-eye coordination. 

• Fun and social: Can be played casually or competitively with friends. 

4.Swimming and diving

Swimming is one of the best full-body workouts, and all our Active Centres feature excellent swimming facilities. Whether you’re doing laps to improve your endurance or diving to work on your technique, swimming is low-impact and suitable for all fitness levels. Diving adds an element of skill and precision, making it a fun challenge to master. 

Benefits of swimming and diving: 

• Full-body workout: Engages multiple muscle groups for comprehensive fitness. 

• Low impact: Gentle on joints, making it ideal for all ages. 

• Skill development: Diving helps improve balance, coordination, and precision. 

 5. Personal training

For those who prefer a more tailored approach, personal training offers customised workouts designed to meet your specific goals. Working with our personal trainers can help you stay motivated, ensure proper form, and provide expert guidance. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your fitness level, personal training can be incredibly effective. 

Benefits of personal training: 

• Personalised workouts: Tailored to your individual fitness goals and needs. 

• Expert guidance: Professional advice on technique and progression. 

• Motivation and accountability: Keeps you on track and motivated to reach your goals. 

With the summer of sport in full swing, there’s no better time to embrace the athleticism within you and start training at your local Active Centre. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, learn new skills, or simply enjoy a more active lifestyle, there are countless opportunities waiting for you.