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Moving more this Summer
Our friends at Active Dorset have selected some great activity opportunities available in Dorset to get you moving more this summer. With the long winter days and nights now firmly behind us, summer is the perfect time to try something new, whilst being able to enjoy the abundance of green open spaces and different opportunities that Dorset has to offer. Choosing to become more physically active during the summer months has its benefits; lighter mornings make getting out of bed easier, and more time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Although becoming more physically active can be daunting, it doesn’t need to be! It’s all about moving in a way that works best for you, helping you meet the recommended amount of physical activity of 150 minutes per week.
The great news is that Dorset has many opportunities to help you try. There’s no substitute for being outdoors. The fresh air, the sunshine, the cool breeze — it’s all invigorating, especially if you’ve been cooped up inside over the winter. Not only does the summer bring sun, which is a great source of vitamin D, helping to boost your mood and immune system, it also brings exciting seasonal activities which are a great way to move more and try new things, like evening walks or even a dip in the sea.
With so much to choose from, we have found a selection of great activities from across Dorset, many of which are free, outdoors, and often with no commitment.
Parkrun and parkwalk
Parkrun events can be found throughout Dorset and are free community events, which are positive, welcoming and inclusive. Everyone is welcome to come along. There is no time limit, and no-one finishes last so you can choose to walk, jog, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning. Junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4–14-year-olds and their families, every Sunday morning. Find your nearest event on the parkrun website.
Yoga
If you’ve always wanted to give yoga a try, Park Yoga offers free community yoga sessions in 9 locations across Dorset. Everyone is welcome; regardless of age, background or ability. All sessions are free and there is no need to book. All sessions are held on Sunday mornings, from May to September, in beautiful outdoor locations.
For those who want to try yoga from the comfort of their own home, there are lots of classes to choose from on YouTube. Yoga with Adriene offers a wide variety of classes including sessions specifically for beginners, stress relief, chronic pain, social anxiety, PTSD and diabetes.
Table Tennis
Did you know that table tennis is the most popular indoor sport in the world? The sport is so popular because it can be played by everyone, whatever their age or physical attributes. There are free to use tables across BCP and Dorset in parks and open spaces such as Queens Park, Tuckton Tea Gardens, Boscombe Coastal Activity Park, Bournemouth Gardens, Moors Valley Country Park and in many other locations. Table Tennis England have a map finder to help you find a table or club near you.
Tennis
Playing a game of tennis releases the feel-good hormones known as endorphins, which can improve your mental health, reduce stress and lower your risk of conditions like depression. Tennis is also suitable for all ages and abilities no matter what your skill level. There are lots of public parks with tennis courts across the Dorset and the BCP area.
Paddleboarding or kayaking
Dorset is lucky enough to have some fantastic places to paddleboard and kayak, with some of the best beaches and stretches of water on our doorstep. For those lucky enough to have their own paddleboard or kayak, Paddlepoints on the Go Paddle website offers a comprehensive map of places where you can launch, and Facebook group BH Activity Junkies organise a range of social events, including beginner friendly paddles.
For those who want to try it, there are places that offer hire, including Dorset SUP in Christchurch (paddleboards), Wareham Boat Hire (kayaks and canoes), Weymouth Paddleboard and Kayak and Shoresports on Mudeford Quay, just to name a few.
Climbing
For something a bit different, why not try climbing? Dorset has several climbing centres including The Project Climbing Centre in Poole, and the The Hangout Climbing Centre on Portland. Rock Reef on Bournemouth Pier also offers SEND sessions during the week.
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There are even more ideas for activities to try this summer! Dorset Council’s Health and Activity team supports local people to get active through a range of beginner level activities that take place in green and open spaces across Dorset. These include cycling, Nordic walking, golf, conservation volunteering, yoga, orienteering and outdoor fitness classes and much more. If you have been thinking of trying something new or simply enjoy the company of others, there is an activity for you - find out what's on this month.
The Parks Foundation also offer a wide range of fun nature-based activities at parks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole throughout the year, including minibeast hunts, conservation volunteering and yoga. They also operate 5 cafes across the area, a perfect opportunity to pop in and keep hydrated and fed whilst you explore.
Want to make more healthy lifestyle changes?
If you thrive in the benefits of moving more, and feel it's time to make more, better, healthy lifestyle changes, then talk to us! We are here to support anyone who wants to manage their weight, reduce drinking, and stop smoking. Register today and get the support you need from our friendly team of advisors and coaches.