In such uncertain times, when gyms seem to be opening and closing from one week to the next, it can be difficult to know where to train.
It is especially challenging for those who find it difficult to motivate themselves to exercise at home. However, no gym doesn’t mean no exercise. It simply means you have to make the most of what is on your doorstep in order to be consistent with your training.
For those living in or close to the Uxbridge area, here are a few places we would recommend for different types of outdoor exercise.
Rockingham Recreation Ground
Rockingham Recreation Ground, located about a 5-minute walk from Uxbridge Shopping Centre, is a large open expanse of grass. It is ideal for those wanting to recreate a gym circuit workout without being trapped inside their house.
At most, all you will need is a gym mat, a few bands or small weights, and you can create a full-body intense workout. Alternatively, you can do an entirely body weight focused session without any equipment.
If you are struggling with what to do and need somebody else there to make you accountable, the recreation ground is the perfect place for a 1:1 session with a local personal trainer.
The wide-open grass space is great for incorporating some cardio into your workout. Whether you start with a warmup jog around the grounds, include short sprinting reps in your circuit, or do a full-on running session, Rockingham Recreation Ground offers you the opportunity to do just that. It is a great place to exercise uninterrupted, without worrying about traffic or crossing roads, but do watch out for dog walkers.
Hillingdon Trail
If you are looking for some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the chaotic world, the Hillingdon Trail is the best place to go.
You can get lost in your run or walk as the opportunities to explore are endless. We recommend the trail for slightly longer runs or walks, as it is so tranquil you won’t want to rush back home. That being said, if you are short of time, the trail is perfect as you won’t be held up by traffic lights or road crossings.
On rainy days, the trail also offers sections of extra shelter due to the mass of trees, so you can always exercise, whatever the weather.
Court Park
For another large green area to be pleasantly surprised by, Court Park is the place to go.
The park is a great place to go for a run, walk, or enjoy the outdoor gym. It is perfect for exercising with a friend before enjoying a cup of tea or hot chocolate out of a flask on one of the available benches.
You can also sit down and listen to the birds twittering halfway through your walk/jog, then continue back home.
Alike at Rockingham Recreation Ground, you can also smash a full-body workout or devise a circuit incorporating some running work into it on the grass.
Fassnidge Park
Fassnidge Park is a popular open space situated within the heart of Uxbridge. It is ideal for those who are into skateboarding, walking, roller blading, or running.
The green areas are intertwined and surrounded by paved paths, perfect for ensuring more stable footing. This means you can roller blade without worrying about twisting your ankle or run without getting your trainers lathered in mud. This helps erase any potential of stress arising.
The park also has plenty of soft grass areas, so if you want to put a mat down and smash out a circuit, there is nothing stopping you. The surrounding paths make it easy to incorporate running into your workout, and for the skateboarders out there, there is also a skate park where you can teach yourself some new skills.
Denham Country Park
Our fifth recommendation is one of the prettiest places in Uxbridge. If you are looking for somewhere slightly more picturesque to exercise, Denham Country Park is both scenic and relaxing.
It is located on the banks of the River Colne and is home to a mixture of wildlife, including herons and kingfishers. If you have popped out for an easy jog or a mindful walk, you won’t be short of scenery to take in. Additionally, if you are looking for somewhere to run without interruption, you can hop onto the Grand Union Canal and run for as long or short as you like before coming back on yourself; a runner’s idea of heaven.
If you enjoy shutting out the world by running in headphones, you can safely do so as you won’t have to worry about cars. It is important to note there are a few crossings.
Now you know where you can happily exercise outdoors in Uxbridge, there are no excuses. Come rain or shine, there is something you can do – either on your own, with a friend, or with a personal trainer in Uxbridge.
