With its outdoor spaces, green areas and eye-catching architecture, King’s Cross is the perfect backdrop to a fitness workout. Especially when it doesn’t cost anything, and is equipment-free and self-led.
Discover a step-by-step exercise trail with Martin Whitelock, King’s Cross’ resident trainer of MW5 Fitness below. Click on each image to explore the benefits of the exercise and where to do them in and around King’s Cross.
Running stairs provides a high-intensity workout that can help improve cardiovascular fitness, increase leg strength and power, and burn a significant amount of calories. It can develop overall muscle definition, as well as increase endurance and stamina. Additionally, running stairs is a great tool for assisting in weight loss. There’s lots of stair options around Coal Drops Yard.
1. Stair Runs, Coal Drops Yard
Bodyweight bench dips are a compound exercise that targets the triceps, shoulders, and chest muscles. The benefits of performing bodyweight bench dips are multiple, including building strength and muscle mass in the triceps, shoulders, and chest, improving posture and shoulder stability plus they can be done with no equipment, anywhere. Start with a lower number of reps (less than 10) and gradually increase as you get stronger.
2. Bench Dips, Lewis Cubitt Square
Burpees are a full-body, high-intensity exercise that can provide a number of benefits, including:
3. Burpees, Gasholders
Box jumps are a plyometric exercise that primarily targets the legs, specifically the quadriceps, glutes, and calves. it’s a good idea to start with a lower height and gradually increase as you become more comfortable and confident with the movement. Some benefits of performing box jumps include:
4. Box Jumps, Gasholders
Push-ups are a compound exercise that primarily target the chest, triceps, and shoulders. Start with a lower number of reps (less than 10) and gradually increase as you get stronger. Try including variations of push-ups to target different parts of the chest, shoulders & arms. Some benefits of performing push-ups include:
5. Push Ups, Bagley Walk
Bodyweight squats are a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. Start with a lower number of reps and gradually increase as you get stronger. A proper warm-up is also important before doing squats.
Some benefits of performing bodyweight squats include:
6. Squats, Granary Square
Standing box jumps are a plyometric exercise that involves jumping from a standing position onto a box or elevated platform. Benefits include:
It’s important to note that standing box jumps can also pose a risk for injury if not performed with proper form and caution. It’s recommended to start with a lower height and gradually increase as strength and skill improve.
7. Standing box jumps, canal steps
Jogging, running and marathon training can have many physical and mental benefits. Physically, they can improve cardiovascular fitness, increase muscle strength and tone, and aid in weight loss. They can also improve overall endurance and the ability to perform daily activities with less fatigue. Running regularly can increase self-confidence and self-esteem, provide a sense of accomplishment, and be a form of stress relief. Additionally, training for a marathon can be a great way to build new relationships, as many people find camaraderie and support within their running communities.
8. Jog, Regent’s canal
It’s important to note that proper form is crucial when doing all of these exercises to avoid injury and it’s a good idea to start with a lower number of reps and gradually increase as you get stronger. A proper warm-up is also important before any exercise.
If you want something a little more involved check out our guide to fitness options at King’s Cross including classes from MW5, Frame, Polestar Pilates, The Fore and Amica 365.
