Keep Yourself In Shape at These Top Outdoor Gyms in London

Whether you live in London or you’re just passing through, you can make the most of your time by visiting a free outdoor gym in one of the capital’s peaceful parks. Here you can combine the health benefits of running, swimming or yoga with the joy of exercising outdoors on your own or as part of a group. With equipment ranging from cardio machines and cross-trainers to static bars and free weights, there’s something for every fitness enthusiast at the outdoor gyms in London.

Clapham Common is a popular park but it also has an impressive outdoor gym equipped with a variety of workout stations, including resistance machines, an obstacle course, parkour facilities and open spaces for bodyweight exercises. The park’s lush green surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for a workout, and the vibrant community atmosphere makes it a great spot for group exercises, calisthenics or outdoor classes. For those wishing to take things up a notch, you can even book vigorous bootcamp workouts. It's under a kilometre from Clapham Junction Station to Clapham Common, so getting there couldn't be easier.

• Broomwood Road, SW4

Hampstead Heath has an outdoor gym that enjoys wonderful views of London’s skyline. The gym is near the Parliament Hill Lido and has an excellent range of equipment, including climbing frames, parallel bars and fitness stations. The heath itself is ideal for running, cycling and swimming in the lido during the summer, so this is a great spot for anyone who enjoys combining their workouts with nature. And if you’re feeling especially keen, you can join the Be Military Fit CrossRun group at the weekends. It's only a 10-minute walk from Hampstead Heath Station to the Parliament Hill area on the heath, so access to the gym is excellent. It's also under a kilometre from Gospel Oak Station.

• Hampstead, NW3

Victoria Park has a well-equipped outdoor gym by the tennis courts that caters to all fitness levels. It has abs benches, pull-up bars, parallel bars and areas where you can work out with bodyweight exercises or simply have a light stretch to warm up. After your workout, why not take a leisurely stroll around the park’s lakes or grab a coffee at the Pavilion Café? The park even hosts fitness classes and community events at the cricket nets and track, so it has a welcoming feel for outdoor fitness enthusiasts. It's about 1.5 kilometres from Cambridge Heath Station to the centre of the park, and there are also several local tube stops within a 20-minute walk.

• St Mark’s Gate, E9

Southwark Park has fantastic outdoor fitness equipment in beautiful surroundings. There are plenty of stations for strength training, cardio and functional workouts, including a spinning bike, leg press and recumbent bike, so this gym is ideal for anyone looking to diversify their fitness routine. The park also has several paths for walking or jogging, so it’s great for breaking up static exercises with something more exhilarating. Southwark Park is served by Surrey Quays and Canada Water stations, or you could catch the Jubilee Line to Bermondsey. If you'd like to combine your outdoor workout with a refreshing swim, book a stay at nearby Novotel London Canary Wharf, which is just minutes away on the Jubilee Line and has a heated indoor pool.

• Southwark, SE16

Regent’s Park has several outdoor fitness stations dotted around the grounds. The gym has plenty of equipment, including a shoulder press and leg press, plus resistance machines like a recumbent bike, seated row and Ezy Rider. The park’s wide-open spaces, beautiful rose garden and boating lake are the perfect backdrop for jogging, cycling or simply enjoying a brisk walk to get the heart pumping. Regent's Park has its own Underground Station on the Bakerloo Line but you could also catch the Circle Line to Great Portland Street.

• Camden, NW1

Kennington Park is a popular sports facility with astroturf pitches for football and hockey, as well as spaces for cricket, basketball, table tennis and a fitness trail with adults and junior equipment. The outdoor gym in Kennington Park has bodyweight exercises, obstacle races, personal fitness training, parkour and sling trainer workouts, so it’s very popular with South London’s fittest. It also has a friendly atmosphere that welcomes newcomers. Both Oval and Kennington stations on the Northern Line give easy access to Kennington Park. Stay at a hotel near Waterloo Station, such as ibis London Blackfriars or Novotel London Blackfriars, to be just one tube stop away.

• St Agnes Place, SE11

1. Plan your workout. Whether you’re focusing on cardio, strength training or a combination of exercises, having a plan will help you stay focused and motivated.
   
   
2. Check the equipment. You don’t know who has used the equipment before you, so make sure everything at each station works safely.
   
   
3. Respect other gym-goers. Allow other people to use the equipment and give them space in which to exercise.
   
   
4. Dress comfortably. Wear appropriate clothes and footwear for the weather and conditions.
   
   
5. Stay hydrated. You should always bring something to drink, especially on warmer days. Many parks have water fountains but it’s good to have your own supply.
   
   
6. Try different locations. Don’t limit yourself to one outdoor gym if you can explore different parks and fitness spots around London.
   
   
7. Join classes or groups. Look for outdoor fitness classes or community groups that meet regularly. These can provide excellent motivation and a sense of belonging.
   
   
8. With its outdoor gyms in beautiful parks, London is a fitness enthusiast’s paradise. Incorporating outdoor workouts into your routine not only keeps your mind and body ticking over, it also brings with it the benefits of fresh air and an appreciation of nature. So lace up your trainers, grab a water bottle and get ready to explore the finest outdoor gyms in London. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, there’s no better time to bring a little exercise into your life.